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Heneicosapentaenoic Acid

Also known as: Heneicosapentaenoic acid, HPA, C21:5 n-3 fatty acid

Overview

Heneicosapentaenoic acid (HPA) is a very long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, characterized by its 21-carbon chain and five double bonds (C21:5 n-3). It is structurally similar to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) but contains one additional carbon atom. HPA is a relatively rare omega-3 fatty acid, found only in trace amounts in certain marine oils and fish species. Unlike its more commonly known counterparts, EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), HPA is not widely studied or utilized as a dietary supplement ingredient. Consequently, its specific biological and clinical effects in humans remain largely uncharacterized. The vast majority of high-quality research on omega-3 fatty acids, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, has focused exclusively on EPA and DHA, leaving HPA as an under-researched compound with no established health benefits or clinical applications.

Benefits

Currently, there is no direct, high-quality evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses to support specific health benefits of Heneicosapentaenoic acid (HPA) in humans. The established health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids, such as cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential cognitive improvements, are primarily attributed to EPA and DHA. While HPA is an omega-3 fatty acid, it is speculative to extrapolate these benefits directly to HPA due to the lack of specific research. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews on omega-3s consistently highlight the roles of EPA and DHA in reducing cardiovascular risk and supporting some cognitive functions, but HPA is not included in these findings. Therefore, no evidence-based benefits can be confidently attributed to HPA at this time.

How it works

The specific mechanism of action for Heneicosapentaenoic acid (HPA) has not been directly studied or elucidated in scientific literature. However, as an omega-3 fatty acid, HPA is hypothesized to share some mechanistic pathways with well-researched omega-3s like EPA and DHA. These general omega-3 mechanisms include modulating inflammatory responses by serving as precursors to less inflammatory eicosanoids and resolvins, influencing cell membrane fluidity, and potentially affecting gene expression related to lipid metabolism and inflammation. It is also possible that HPA could be metabolized into other bioactive compounds. However, without specific research, these proposed mechanisms for HPA remain speculative, and its bioavailability and metabolic fate within the human body are not well described.

Side effects

There is no specific safety data available for Heneicosapentaenoic acid (HPA) due to the lack of dedicated clinical studies. Generally, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are considered safe at typical supplemental doses, with mild gastrointestinal disturbances such as burping, nausea, or diarrhea being the most common side effects. Higher doses of omega-3s, specifically exceeding 1 gram per day of EPA and DHA combined, have been associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation in some populations, as noted in a systematic review and meta-analysis by Gencer et al. (2021). However, this finding is not specific to HPA. There are no known drug interactions or contraindications specifically identified for HPA. Given the absence of research, caution is advised, and HPA should not be assumed to have the same safety profile as other omega-3s, especially at higher, unstudied doses.

Dosage

There are no established or recommended dosing guidelines for Heneicosapentaenoic acid (HPA) due to the complete lack of clinical data on its efficacy and safety in humans. All current omega-3 dosing recommendations, whether for general health, cardiovascular support, or other specific conditions, refer exclusively to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Without any scientific studies to inform appropriate intake levels, it is impossible to specify a safe or effective dosage range for HPA. There are no known upper limits or safety thresholds for HPA, as it has not been investigated in controlled settings. Therefore, supplementation with HPA is not currently recommended.

FAQs

Is HPA effective for cardiovascular or cognitive health?

There is no direct scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of HPA for cardiovascular or cognitive health. The established benefits of omega-3s in these areas are primarily attributed to EPA and DHA, which have been extensively studied.

Is HPA safe to consume?

No specific safety data exists for HPA. While omega-3s in general are considered safe in typical dietary amounts, the safety of isolated HPA supplementation has not been evaluated. It is presumed safe only in the trace amounts found naturally in foods.

Should I take HPA as a supplement?

Currently, supplementation with HPA is not recommended due to the complete lack of clinical evidence regarding its efficacy, safety, and appropriate dosing. Focus on well-researched omega-3s like EPA and DHA if supplementation is desired.

Research Sources

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.055654 – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Gencer et al. (2021) investigated the association between omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and the risk of atrial fibrillation. The study, which included 7 trials, found that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly at doses exceeding 1 gram per day, were associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (HR 1.49). This research highlights a potential adverse effect of high-dose omega-3s, though it did not specifically analyze HPA.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34505026/ – Khan et al. (2021) conducted a meta-analysis of 38 randomized controlled trials to assess the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular mortality. The findings indicated that omega-3s reduced cardiovascular mortality, with EPA monotherapy showing more significant benefits compared to combined EPA+DHA. This study reinforces the cardiovascular benefits of specific omega-3s but does not include data on HPA.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21975919/ – This meta-analysis by Wei et al. (2011) compared the distinct cardiovascular benefits of EPA versus DHA monotherapy. The study suggested that EPA might offer unique cardiovascular advantages separate from those provided by DHA. This research further differentiates the effects of various omega-3 fatty acids, emphasizing that benefits are not universally applicable across all omega-3s, and HPA was not part of this comparison.