Role of the EPA: DHA dosing ratio in omega-3 supplements on blood fatty acid profiles and inflammation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Most omega-3 supplements contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in defined ratios, yet their pharmacokinetic and anti-inflammatory effects are not fully understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated how EPA:DHA dosing ratios, alongside EPA+DHA daily dose, influence blood fatty acid profiles and inflammatory markers across 96 clinical trials published before February 2025. Standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. EPA+DHA supplementation significantly increased EPA:DHA blood ratios and blood EPA+DHA levels, with larger effects in healthy individuals. Supplementation also reduced arachidonic acid (AA) and key inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), particularly in participants with underlying health conditions. Ratios
Fields of Study & Subjects
Fatty Acid Research and Health
Eicosanoids and Hypertension Pharmacology
Vitamin K Research Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 66
- Issue
- 20
- Pages
- 3866–3887
- Publication date
- 22 January 2026
- Language
- EN