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Eicosatrienoic Acid

Also known as: Eicosatrienoic Acid, omega-3 eicosatrienoic acid, ETA

Overview

Eicosatrienoic Acid (ETA) is a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) found in trace amounts in marine oils and some plant oils. It is structurally related to, but less studied than, other well-known omega-3s like Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). While often investigated for potential anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular effects, similar to other omega-3 fatty acids, direct research specifically on ETA is limited. Its role is often inferred from broader omega-3 studies, and it is considered an intermediate in fatty acid metabolism. The evidence supporting its independent health benefits is sparse, with no large-scale randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses focusing solely on ETA.

Benefits

There are no direct, high-quality randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses specifically on Eicosatrienoic Acid (ETA) alone that demonstrate significant health benefits. Most cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits commonly associated with omega-3 fatty acids are attributed to EPA and DHA, not ETA. While omega-3 PUFAs as a group are known to reduce triglycerides, potentially lower inflammation markers, and offer modest cardiovascular benefits, these effects have not been clearly demonstrated for ETA in isolation. Therefore, no specific population-specific benefits or effect sizes can be established for ETA. Any perceived benefits are largely extrapolated from the broader omega-3 family, which typically require months of consistent supplementation to manifest.

How it works

Eicosatrienoic Acid (ETA), as an omega-3 fatty acid, is presumed to modulate eicosanoid synthesis, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, and influence lipid metabolism, similar to other omega-3s. It likely interacts with enzymes such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), and nuclear receptors like PPARs. However, its potency or metabolic fate may differ from EPA and DHA. Upon ingestion, ETA is absorbed in the intestine and incorporated into plasma lipids and cell membranes, following similar absorption pathways to other long-chain fatty acids.

Side effects

Eicosatrienoic Acid (ETA), as part of the omega-3 fatty acid family, is generally well tolerated. No specific safety concerns unique to ETA have been reported. Common side effects, if any, are typically mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as a fishy aftertaste, burping, or nausea, which are characteristic of omega-3 supplements. There is a potential for interaction with anticoagulant medications due to the mild blood-thinning effects associated with omega-3s. Therefore, caution is advised for individuals with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy. No specific contraindications for ETA exist beyond those for general omega-3 supplementation. Safety data for special populations like pregnant women and children are extrapolated from broader omega-3 research, as specific ETA data are unavailable.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for Eicosatrienoic Acid (ETA) alone has not been established, and there are no clinical dosing guidelines specifically for ETA. For omega-3 fatty acids generally, doses of 1-4 grams per day of combined EPA and DHA are common in clinical trials. The optimal and maximum safe doses for ETA are unknown, but omega-3 doses up to 4 grams per day are generally considered safe. ETA is typically taken with meals to enhance absorption, similar to other fatty acids. It is usually found in triglyceride or ethyl ester forms in supplements, and absorption is improved with fatty meals.

FAQs

Is ETA effective alone?

No robust evidence supports Eicosatrienoic Acid (ETA) alone for specific health benefits; most data come from studies on EPA and DHA.

Can ETA replace EPA/DHA?

Currently, ETA cannot replace EPA and DHA, as EPA and DHA are the primary omega-3s with established and well-researched health benefits.

Are there safety concerns with ETA?

ETA is generally considered safe, similar to other omega-3s, with mild gastrointestinal side effects being the most common. Caution is advised with anticoagulants.

How long does it take to see effects from ETA?

For omega-3s generally, effects typically become noticeable after weeks to months of consistent supplementation, but specific data for ETA are lacking.

Research Sources

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.055654 – This systematic review and meta-analysis from 2021 investigated the dose-dependent effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) on atrial fibrillation risk. While it showed significant findings for EPA and DHA, it did not isolate or report on the effects of Eicosatrienoic Acid (ETA), highlighting the focus of current research on the more common omega-3s.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-54535-x – A 2019 meta-analysis on omega-3 fatty acids' effects on inflammatory biomarkers found no statistically significant changes in several markers. This study primarily focused on EPA and DHA, and did not include or analyze the specific impact of Eicosatrienoic Acid (ETA) on inflammatory markers, reinforcing the lack of direct ETA research.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35914996/ – This 2022 network meta-analysis compared the effects of EPA and EPA+DHA supplementation on cardiovascular events. The findings indicated benefits mainly for EPA and combined EPA+DHA, but there was no mention or analysis of Eicosatrienoic Acid (ETA), further illustrating the limited clinical research on ETA as a standalone supplement.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21975919/ – A 2011 meta-analysis compared the effects of EPA versus DHA monotherapy. This study focused exclusively on the individual contributions of EPA and DHA to various health outcomes, with no inclusion or discussion of Eicosatrienoic Acid (ETA), underscoring the predominant focus of omega-3 research on EPA and DHA.