EPA and DHA demonstrably contribute to cardiovascular health, brain function and visual acuity. Here you will find all EFSA-approved health claims — clearly explained and supported by study references from PubMed and leading peer-reviewed journals.
What the science says about EPA, DHA and cardiovascular health.
Read more →Can omega-3 lower blood pressure? EFSA health claim at 3,000 mg per day.
Read more →EFSA health claim: 2,000 mg EPA+DHA daily for normal triglyceride levels.
Read more →In a double-blind, randomised trial with 8,179 patients over 4.9 years, 4 g/day of pure EPA showed a 25% reduction in primary cardiovascular endpoints (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.68–0.83; P<0.001). Cardiovascular mortality fell from 5.2% to 4.3%.
A meta-analysis of 127,477 participants found that marine omega-3 supplementation significantly reduced the risk of myocardial infarction, coronary heart death and total CVD events. A dose-response relationship was observed: higher doses showed greater risk reduction.
The meta-analysis of 70 RCTs showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure of −1.52 mmHg and diastolic of −0.99 mmHg. In patients with untreated hypertension effects were more pronounced: systolic −4.51 mmHg, diastolic −3.05 mmHg.
The American Heart Association confirmed in its Science Advisory: at 4 g/day EPA+DHA, triglycerides were reduced by more than 30%. In hypertriglyceridaemia (200–499 mg/dL) the reduction was 20–30%.
DHA contributes to normal brain function. What studies say about concentration and memory.
Read more →What EPA-rich omega-3 can do for mood fluctuations and depressive symptoms.
Read more →A meta-analysis of 2,160 participants showed a significant overall effect on depressive symptoms (SMD = −0.28; P = 0.004). Particularly effective: pure EPA formulations (≤1 g/day) reached an effect size of −0.50 (P = 0.003). EPA-dominant formulations (≥60% EPA) showed an effect size of −1.03.
Analysis of 7 RCTs with 534 young people with ADHD showed a significant improvement in ADHD symptom scores (g = 0.38; P<0.0001). Cognitive attention measures improved with an effect size of 1.09 (P = 0.001). Children with ADHD had significantly lower DHA and EPA levels.
A systematic dose-response meta-analysis found that 2,000 mg/day omega-3 produced significant improvements in attention, processing speed, language, primary memory and global cognitive abilities. A non-linear dose-response relationship was identified.
DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal visual acuity. EFSA health claim from 250 mg DHA/day.
Read more →Studies on the effect of EPA+DHA on dry eye syndrome and screen use.
Read more →A meta-analysis of 3,363 patients showed omega-3 produced significant improvements versus placebo: symptoms (SDM = 0.968; P<0.001), tear film break-up time (SDM = 0.905; P<0.001), tear production in Schirmer test (SDM = 0.905; P<0.001) and reduced corneal fluorescein staining (SDM = 0.517; P = 0.032).
In a 12-year observation of 1,837 people with moderate to high AMD risk, the highest omega-3 intake showed a 30% lower risk of geographic atrophy (OR 0.65; P ≤ 0.02) and a 32% lower risk of neovascular AMD (OR 0.68; P ≤ 0.02).
A meta-analysis of observational studies showed: high intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (DHA, EPA or DHA+EPA) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration compared to the low-intake group.
How EPA and DHA support the management of inflammation.
Read more →Studies show: omega-3 can reduce joint stiffness and pain.
Read more →How omega-3 modulates the immune system and regulates overreactions.
Read more →An umbrella meta-analysis of 32 prior meta-analyses showed omega-3 significantly reduced all three main inflammatory markers: CRP (ES = −0.40; P<0.001), TNF-α (ES = −0.23; P = 0.002) and IL-6 (ES = −0.22; P = 0.010).
At a dose of ≥2.7 g/day for at least 3 months, significant reductions in joint pain, morning stiffness, number of painful joints and NSAID consumption were observed in RA patients (SMD −0.518; 95% CI −0.915 to −0.121; P = 0.011).
Omega-3 showed a moderate, statistically and clinically significant pain reduction: SMD = −0.55 (95% CI −0.76 to −0.34). Notable time course: after 1 month SMD = −0.27, after 6 months SMD = −0.83 — efficacy increased with duration of supplementation.
In 10 of 18 randomised trials, significant pain reduction in rheumatoid arthritis was observed. Doses of 3–6 g/day showed the greatest effect. The authors concluded that omega-3 plays a therapeutic role in RA-associated pain.
DHA for the baby's brain and eye development. EFSA: +200 mg DHA/day.
Read more →How EPA+DHA can support fertility in both women and men.
Read more →Safe supply for mother and baby through breast milk.
Read more →The most comprehensive analysis with 19,927 pregnant women from 70 randomised trials showed: preterm births <37 weeks were reduced by 11% (RR 0.89; high quality evidence). Very preterm births <34 weeks were reduced by 42% (RR 0.58; high quality evidence). Greater birth weight and longer pregnancies were also observed.
The European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG) issued an official recommendation for omega-3 supplementation in pregnancy — for the prevention of preterm and very preterm births.
A meta-analysis found that maternal DHA supplementation significantly improved cognitive development in preterm infants at 12–24 months, including motor and language development. Subgroup analysis: DHA ≥800 mg/day before week 20 showed the strongest effects.
Summary of scientific evidence and studied dosages
| Area | Evidence strength | Studied dose |
|---|---|---|
| Triglycerides | Very strong | 2–4 g/day EPA+DHA |
| Cardiovascular risk | Strong | 2–4 g/day (mainly EPA) |
| Blood pressure | Strong | ≥2 g/day EPA+DHA |
| Inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) | Strong | 1–3 g/day EPA+DHA |
| Depression (EPA-dominant) | Moderate–Strong | ≤1 g/day EPA (≥60% EPA fraction) |
| ADHD in children | Moderate | Higher EPA doses more effective |
| Dry eye | Strong | Higher doses, longer duration |
| AMD prevention | Moderate | Diet-based |
| Preterm birth prevention | Very strong | from 500 mg/day DHA+EPA |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | Strong | ≥2.7 g/day, min. 3 months |
The studies mentioned show results from scientific research. They do not replace medical advice. The dosages shown refer to the amounts studied in the trials — EFSA-approved health claims apply from the respective minimum doses indicated. Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet.