Home Ingredients Eupoly-3® (Omega-3 EPA and DHA from Fish or Algae)
Cardiovascular

Eupoly-3® (Omega-3 EPA and DHA from Fish or Algae)

Evidence Level
Limited
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Eupoly-3® is a range of refined, deodorized natural omega-3 oils from Biosearch Life (now part of Kerry), made from anchovy, mackerel and tuna oil or, in one grade, from microalgae, and supplying the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. One randomized placebo-controlled trial of the branded material, in Spanish children aged 2 to 6 with autism, raised blood DHA over 6 months but changed no clinical score. EPA and DHA are genuine dietary essentials, but in large randomized trials at about 1 g a day they did not reduce major cardiovascular events, and they have not slowed cognitive decline in older adults.

Studied Dose Eupoly-3 is a non-concentrated natural omega-3 oil, not a concentrate. Kerry's product specification lists the grades between about 5 and 18 percent EPA and 8 and 35 percent DHA by weight, so a gram of oil carries roughly 50 to 180 mg EPA and 80 to 350 mg DHA depending on the grade. The only published human trial of the branded material gave 800 mg DHA plus 25 mg EPA per day for 6 months to children aged 2 to 6 and found no clinical benefit. No published trial has tested this ingredient in adults. For context, lowering triglycerides in adults takes roughly 2 to 4 g of combined EPA plus DHA per day, and the 1 g per day doses used in VITAL and ASCEND did not reduce major cardiovascular events.
Active Compound Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Benefits

Brain and cognition: no measured cognitive benefit

DHA is a major structural fat in the brain and retina and is genuinely required during infant development. That is biology, not a benefit of taking this product. In the one randomized human trial of Eupoly-3, 800 mg DHA plus 25 mg EPA daily for 6 months raised blood DHA in children with autism but left clinical and behavioral scores unchanged. In adults, the AREDS2 trial gave 1 g a day of long-chain omega-3 to 3,501 people averaging 73 years old and at risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration for 5 years and found no difference in cognitive test scores (yearly change in the composite score -0.19 versus -0.18, P=0.63), and a Cochrane review of 3,221 cognitively healthy older people found no difference in MMSE score (mean difference -0.07, 95 percent CI -0.25 to 0.10).

Supported by Trial 1

Lowers triglycerides at high doses, but has not reduced heart events

EPA and DHA lower blood triglycerides, but that effect needs roughly 2 to 4 g a day, well above what a food-fortification oil like this normally delivers. Whether lowering triglycerides translates into fewer cardiovascular events depends on the dose and the chemical form. At about 1 g a day, VITAL (25,871 adults, median 5.3 years) found no reduction in major cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 0.92, 95 percent CI 0.80 to 1.06), though a secondary analysis did show fewer heart attacks (hazard ratio 0.72, 95 percent CI 0.59 to 0.90), and ASCEND (15,480 adults with diabetes, 7.4 years) found no reduction either (8.9 percent versus 9.2 percent, rate ratio 0.97). At 4 g a day of an EPA plus DHA carboxylic acid, STRENGTH (13,078 adults) was stopped early for futility against a corn oil comparator (12.0 percent versus 12.2 percent). The one trial that did cut events, REDUCE-IT (17.2 percent versus 22.0 percent), used 4 g a day of prescription-only purified icosapent ethyl, which is a different product from this one. Across these trials omega-3 supplementation was also linked to more atrial fibrillation.

Supported by Trial 1

Raises blood omega-3 levels (a biomarker, not a health outcome)

This is the one thing shown for the branded material. In preschool children with autism, 6 months of 800 mg DHA plus 25 mg EPA a day significantly raised the percentage of DHA in plasma and in red blood cell membranes. Raising blood omega-3 shows the oil is absorbed, not that anything improved: in that same trial the change came with no difference in plasma cytokines and no difference in clinical scores, and the authors noted the children already had adequate omega-3 status at baseline.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Membrane incorporation

DHA and EPA are built into cell membranes, supporting their function and serving as precursors to less-inflammatory mediators.

2

Resolution of inflammation

Omega-3s are converted into specialized pro-resolving mediators such as resolvins and protectins, which act to end an inflammatory response. That is laboratory biochemistry: in the one trial of this ingredient, 6 months of supplementation produced no change in plasma cytokine levels.

Clinical trials

1
Randomized placebo-controlled trial of Eupoly-3 DHA in children with autism: blood omega-3 rose, clinical scores did not change
PubMed

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial over 6 months, 800 mg/day DHA plus 25 mg/day EPA given as EUPOLY-3 DHA Infant against a sunflower oil placebo. The supplement and the placebo were provided free of charge by Biosearch SA of Granada, the maker of Eupoly-3, and one author was a Biosearch employee. (de la Torre-Aguilar MJ et al. 2022, Frontiers in Nutrition 9:790250, NCT03620097)

Spanish children aged 2 to 6 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Of 57 selected, 19 in the supplement arm and 25 in the placebo arm completed 6 months and were analyzed. A separate reference group of 59 healthy children of the same age was measured at baseline only.

The supplemented group significantly increased the percentage of DHA in plasma and in red blood cell membranes. There was no difference between the supplement and placebo groups in clinical test scores or in plasma cytokines, and on parts of the Battelle developmental test it was the placebo group that improved. The authors concluded that these children already had appropriate omega-3 status and that omega-3 supplementation should follow a confirmed deficiency rather than precede it.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Fish oil is generally well tolerated at ordinary supplement doses, but it is not risk free. In a meta-analysis of 7 cardiovascular outcome trials covering 81,210 people, marine omega-3 supplementation raised the risk of atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio 1.25, 95 percent CI 1.07 to 1.46), and the risk was higher in trials above 1 g a day (hazard ratio 1.49) than at or below 1 g a day (hazard ratio 1.12). In REDUCE-IT, 3.1 percent on 4 g a day were hospitalized for atrial fibrillation or flutter versus 2.1 percent on placebo.
Fishy aftertaste, fishy burps and reflux are common. Taking capsules with a meal or storing them in the freezer reduces this. Fish oils also oxidize: a sharp rancid, paint-like or crayon-like smell when you open the bottle or bite a capsule means the oil has gone off and should not be taken.
Loose stools and other gastrointestinal upset are common at higher doses: in the STRENGTH trial, 24.7 percent of people taking 4 g a day of omega-3 reported gastrointestinal adverse events versus 14.7 percent on the corn oil comparator. Most Eupoly-3 grades are made from anchovy, mackerel and tuna oil, so they are unsuitable for anyone with a fish allergy and are not vegetarian or vegan; the manufacturer also lists a microalgal grade, so check the source on the label of the finished product. The oils are stabilized with soy lecithin, ascorbyl palmitate and natural tocopherols, which matters if you avoid soy.

Important Drug interactions

Anticoagulants and antiplatelets: high-dose omega-3 can add to bleeding risk. In REDUCE-IT, serious bleeding occurred in 2.7 percent on 4 g a day versus 2.1 percent on placebo (P=0.06). VITAL, at 1 g a day, found no excess bleeding.
Blood pressure medication: omega-3 lowers blood pressure slightly, so the effect can add to your medication.
Tell your doctor before high doses if you have a bleeding disorder.

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Frequently asked questions about Eupoly-3® (Omega-3 EPA and DHA from Fish or Algae)

What is Eupoly-3?

Eupoly-3® is a range of refined, deodorized natural omega-3 oils from Biosearch Life (now part of Kerry), made from anchovy, mackerel and tuna oil or, in one grade, from microalgae, and supplying the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

What is Eupoly-3 used for?

Eupoly-3 is researched primarily for Cardiovascular. DHA is a major structural fat in the brain and retina and is genuinely required during infant development. That is biology, not a benefit of taking this product.

What is the recommended dosage of Eupoly-3?

The clinically studied dose is Eupoly-3 is a non-concentrated natural omega-3 oil, not a concentrate. Kerry's product specification lists the grades between about 5 and 18 percent EPA and 8 and 35 percent DHA by weight, so a gram of oil carries roughly 50 to 180 mg EPA and 80 to 350 mg DHA… Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Eupoly-3 safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Eupoly-3 is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Fish oil is generally well tolerated at ordinary supplement doses, but it is not risk free. In a meta-analysis of 7 cardiovascular outcome trials covering 81,210 people, marine omega-3 supplementation raised the risk of atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio 1.25, 95 percent CI 1. It may also interact with some medications. Eupoly-3 is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Eupoly-3 interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Anticoagulants and antiplatelets: high-dose omega-3 can add to bleeding risk. In Reduce-IT, serious bleeding occurred in 2.7 percent on 4 g a day versus 2.1 percent on placebo (P=0.06). VITAL, at 1 g a day, found no excess bleeding. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Eupoly-3?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Eupoly-3 as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 8 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(8 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. de la Torre-Aguilar MJ, Gomez-Fernandez A, Flores-Rojas K, et al. Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Intervention Modifies Plasma and Erythrocyte Omega-3 Fatty Acid Profiles But Not the Clinical Course of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Control Trial. Front Nutr. 2022;9:790250..PubMedUsed to support: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in Spanish children aged 2 to 6 with autism spectrum disorder. Of 57 children selected, 19 in the supplement arm received 800 mg/day DHA plus 25 mg/day EPA as EUPOLY-3 DHA Infant and 25 in the placebo arm received sunflower oil, for 6 months. The supplemented group significantly raised the percentage of DHA in plasma and red blood cell membranes, but there was no difference from placebo in clinical test scores or in plasma cytokines, and on parts of the Battelle developmental test the placebo group improved instead. The authors concluded the children already had appropriate omega-3 status at baseline and that supplementation should follow a confirmed deficiency. The product and placebo were supplied free by Biosearch SA, the maker of Eupoly-3, and one author was a Biosearch employee.
  2. Sydenham E, Dangour AD, Lim WS. Omega 3 fatty acid for the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;2012(6):CD005379..PubMedUsed to support: A systematic review of randomized trials giving omega-3 for at least six months to cognitively healthy people aged 60 and over. Across two studies and 3,221 participants there was no difference in Mini-Mental State Examination score at final follow-up after 24 or 40 months (mean difference -0.07, 95 percent CI -0.25 to 0.10), and across two studies and 1,043 participants, tests of word learning, digit span and verbal fluency showed no benefit. No included study measured incident dementia. This is a review, not a single trial.
  3. Chew EY, Clemons TE, Agrón E, Launer LJ, Grodstein F, Bernstein PS; Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) Research Group. Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Lutein/Zeaxanthin, or Other Nutrient Supplementation on Cognitive Function: The AREDS2 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2015;314(8):791-801..PubMedUsed to support: 3,501 older adults averaging 72.7 years and at risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration took 1 g a day of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids or placebo in a double-masked randomized trial, alongside varying combinations of vitamins C and E, beta carotene and zinc, and were tested every two years over 5 years. The yearly change in the composite cognitive score was -0.19 with omega-3 versus -0.18 without (difference -0.03, 99 percent CI -0.20 to 0.13, P=0.63). Omega-3 supplementation did not slow cognitive decline.
  4. ASCEND Study Collaborative Group; Bowman L, Mafham M, Wallendszus K, Stevens W, Buck G, Barton J, Murphy K, Aung T, Haynes R, Cox J, Murawska A, Young A, Lay M, Chen F, Sammons E, Waters E, Adler A, Bodansky J, Farmer A, McPherson R, Neil A, Simpson D, Peto R, Baigent C, Collins R, Parish S, Armitage J. Effects of n-3 Fatty Acid Supplements in Diabetes Mellitus. N Engl J Med. 2018;379(16):1540-1550..PubMedUsed to support: 15,480 adults with diabetes and no established cardiovascular disease took 1 g capsules of omega-3 fatty acids or placebo daily for a mean of 7.4 years. A first serious vascular event occurred in 8.9 percent on omega-3 versus 9.2 percent on placebo (rate ratio 0.97, 95 percent CI 0.87 to 1.08), and death from any cause in 9.7 percent versus 10.2 percent. A standard fish oil dose produced no vascular benefit in a high-risk group followed for over seven years.
  5. Bhatt DL, Steg PG, Miller M, Brinton EA, Jacobson TA, Ketchum SB, Doyle RT Jr, Juliano RA, Jiao L, Granowitz C, Tardif JC, Ballantyne CM; REDUCE-IT Investigators. Cardiovascular Risk Reduction with Icosapent Ethyl for Hypertriglyceridemia. N Engl J Med. 2019;380(1):11-22..PubMedUsed to support: 8,179 statin-treated adults with triglycerides of 135 to 499 mg/dL received 4 g a day of icosapent ethyl, a prescription-only highly purified EPA ethyl ester, or placebo for a median of 4.9 years. The primary composite endpoint occurred in 17.2 percent versus 22.0 percent (hazard ratio 0.75, 95 percent CI 0.68 to 0.83). Hospitalization for atrial fibrillation or flutter was higher on treatment (3.1 percent versus 2.1 percent, P=0.004) and serious bleeding was 2.7 percent versus 2.1 percent (P=0.06). This is the one positive omega-3 outcome trial, and it used a prescription drug at 4 g a day, not a dietary fish oil.
  6. Manson JE, Cook NR, Lee IM, Christen W, Bassuk SS, Mora S, Gibson H, Albert CM, Gordon D, Copeland T, D'Agostino D, Friedenberg G, Ridker PM, Willett WC, Buring JE; VITAL Research Group. Marine n-3 Fatty Acids and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer. N Engl J Med. 2019;380(1):23-32..PubMedUsed to support: In 25,871 US adults given 1 g a day of marine omega-3 or placebo for a median of 5.3 years, major cardiovascular events occurred in 386 versus 419 participants (hazard ratio 0.92, 95 percent CI 0.80 to 1.06, P=0.24) and invasive cancer in 820 versus 797 (hazard ratio 1.03). A secondary endpoint, total myocardial infarction, was lower on omega-3 (hazard ratio 0.72, 95 percent CI 0.59 to 0.90), but at this dose, close to what a fish oil supplement usually provides, omega-3 did not reduce the primary composite of cardiovascular events in a general adult population. No excess bleeding was seen.
  7. Nicholls SJ, Lincoff AM, Garcia M, Bash D, Ballantyne CM, Barter PJ, Davidson MH, Kastelein JJP, Koenig W, McGuire DK, Mozaffarian D, Ridker PM, Ray KK, Katona BG, Himmelmann A, Loss LE, Rensfeldt M, Lundström T, Agrawal R, Menon V, Wolski K, Nissen SE. Effect of High-Dose Omega-3 Fatty Acids vs Corn Oil on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk: The STRENGTH Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2020;324(22):2268-2280..PubMedUsed to support: 13,078 statin-treated adults at high cardiovascular risk received 4 g a day of an EPA plus DHA carboxylic acid or corn oil. The trial was halted early for futility: the primary composite endpoint occurred in 12.0 percent versus 12.2 percent (hazard ratio 0.99, 95 percent CI 0.90 to 1.09, P=0.84). Gastrointestinal adverse events were more common on omega-3 (24.7 percent versus 14.7 percent). Even 4 g a day of combined EPA and DHA did not reduce cardiovascular events.
  8. Gencer B, Djousse L, Al-Ramady OT, Cook NR, Manson JE, Albert CM. Effect of Long-Term Marine ω-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Randomized Controlled Trials of Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Circulation. 2021;144(25):1981-1990..PubMedUsed to support: Pooling 7 randomized cardiovascular outcome trials covering 81,210 people followed an average of 4.9 years, marine omega-3 supplementation increased the risk of atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio 1.25, 95 percent CI 1.07 to 1.46, P=0.013). The risk was higher in trials testing more than 1 g a day (hazard ratio 1.49, 95 percent CI 1.04 to 2.15) than at or below 1 g a day (hazard ratio 1.12, 95 percent CI 1.03 to 1.22), and rose by about 11 percent for each additional gram per day. This is a meta-analysis of trials, not a single trial.