HealthAugust 8, 2026
eicosapentaenoic
eye-koh-suh-pen-tuh-EE-noh-ik
Definition
A specific type of omega-3 fatty acid, commonly known as EPA, which plays a critical role in human health and cardiovascular function.
Etymology
The name is a systematic chemical term derived from Greek 'eikosi' (twenty) and 'penta' (five), referring to the number of carbon atoms and double bonds in the molecule's structure.
In the news
The article uses this term to specify the particular health-promoting fatty acids found in marine sources like fish oil, differentiating them from other types of fats. It is essential for understanding which specific nutrients contribute to the health benefits discussed.
Omega-3s and Omega-6s: It’s Not the Balance but the Levels That Matter
Read the full article ↗Nutritional Outlook