Eicosapentaenoic acid is used in combination with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in fish oil preparations for a variety of conditions, including preventing and reversing heart disease, and decreasing irregular heartbeats; as well as asthma, cancer, menstrual problems, hot flashes, hay fever, lung diseases, lupus, and kidney disease caused by an immune reaction.

The combination is also used for migraine headache prevention in adolescents, skin infections, Behçet's syndrome, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, psoriasis, Raynaud's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Eicosapentaenoic acid is long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which compete with arachidonic acid for inclusion in cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways.

It's actions include hypolipidaemic action (especially a reduction in plasma triglycerides) by reducing very-low-density lipoproteins; anti-inflammatory action, attributed to effects on leukotriene synthesis; and antiplatelet effect, attributed to effects on prostanoid synthesis, which promote vasodilatation, reduction in platelet aggregation, increased bleeding time and decreased platelet counts.

• Nausea
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Burping
• Vomiting
• Joint,back and muscle pain
• Diarrhea
• Nosebleed

When used in amounts greater than 3 grams per day, eicosapentaenoic acid can thin the blood and increase the risk for bleeding.

If you are sensitive to aspirin, eicosapentaenoic acid might affect your breathing.

Eicosapentaenoic acid might lower blood pressure.

DHA is used as a supplement for premature babies and as an ingredient in baby formula during the first year of life to promote better mental development. It is also used in infant formula to prevent lung diseases, allergic diseases such as eczema or hay fever, and diarrhea.

In some cases, DHA is used in combination with arachidonic acid.

DHA is also taken by mouth alone or along with EPA to improve mental function in healthy people or those with mental impairment.

It is also used to improve mental function in people with dementia or age-related mental decline.

 It is also taken by mouth for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, aggressive behavior, Alzheimer's disease, autism, and to prevent relapse in schizophrenic patients who stop taking antipsychotic medication.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) belongs to the class of medications called as nutritional supplements. DHA plays a vital role in the brain development. DHA decreases cholesterol and triglyceride levels, inhibits platelet aggregation and oxidation of LDL, decreases the synthesis of inflammatory markers such as prostaglandins. Overall, DHA plays a vital role in reducing the heart and circulatory disease risks.

Major & minor side effects for Docosahexaenoic acid

• Bad breath
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Weight gain
• Allergy

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any allergic symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Do not take if allergic to DHA or any of its ingredients.

Do not take if having problem with aspirin-sensitivity and hypertension.

Do not take if allergic to fish products.