N-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and cardiovascular health - updated review of mechanisms and clinical outcomes
N-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and cardiovascular health - updated review of mechanisms and clinical outcomes
Purpose of review: we synthesize the latest evidence (published 2020 to 2025) on the role of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in cardiovascular health, emphasizing biological mechanisms and key findings from observational studies and clinical trials related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and outcomes.
Recent findings: EPA and DHA modulate lipid metabolism, inflammation, platelet and endothelial function, the gut-heart axis, ion channels and autonomic function via vagal tone, supporting cardiovascular health. While individual RCTs have produced variable results, updated cohort data and recent meta-analyses consistently link higher intake or circulating levels of EPA and DHA to reduced risk of cardiovascular events. However, evidence from RCTs indicates that high-dose supplementation may be associated with an increase in atrial fibrillation (AF) risk.
Summary: evidence supports a role for EPA and DHA in CVD prevention and treatment, with effects influenced by dose, formulation, and individual variability. Moderate intake appears safe and protective, while high dose EPA may offer added benefits in high-risk individuals but also might increase AF risk.
Djuricic, Ivana
eb8194bc-255a-4e88-8545-fb16e39a5394
Calder, Philip C.
1797e54f-378e-4dcb-80a4-3e30018f07a6
17 November 2025
Djuricic, Ivana
eb8194bc-255a-4e88-8545-fb16e39a5394
Calder, Philip C.
1797e54f-378e-4dcb-80a4-3e30018f07a6
Djuricic, Ivana and Calder, Philip C.
(2025)
N-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and cardiovascular health - updated review of mechanisms and clinical outcomes.
Atherosclerosis, 27, [116].
Abstract
Purpose of review: we synthesize the latest evidence (published 2020 to 2025) on the role of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in cardiovascular health, emphasizing biological mechanisms and key findings from observational studies and clinical trials related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and outcomes.
Recent findings: EPA and DHA modulate lipid metabolism, inflammation, platelet and endothelial function, the gut-heart axis, ion channels and autonomic function via vagal tone, supporting cardiovascular health. While individual RCTs have produced variable results, updated cohort data and recent meta-analyses consistently link higher intake or circulating levels of EPA and DHA to reduced risk of cardiovascular events. However, evidence from RCTs indicates that high-dose supplementation may be associated with an increase in atrial fibrillation (AF) risk.
Summary: evidence supports a role for EPA and DHA in CVD prevention and treatment, with effects influenced by dose, formulation, and individual variability. Moderate intake appears safe and protective, while high dose EPA may offer added benefits in high-risk individuals but also might increase AF risk.
Text
Djuricic and Calder_Second Revision_Clean
- Accepted Manuscript
Text
s11883-025-01363-2
- Version of Record
Text
s11883-025-01363-2 (1)
- Version of Record
More information
Accepted/In Press date: 30 October 2025
e-pub ahead of print date: 17 November 2025
Published date: 17 November 2025
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 507245
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/507245
ISSN: 0021-9150
PURE UUID: 116a54e1-55c5-4cd4-808b-c3bdbb3fea50
Catalogue record
Date deposited: 02 Dec 2025 18:03
Last modified: 06 Dec 2025 02:34
Export record
Contributors
Author:
Ivana Djuricic
Download statistics
Downloads from ePrints over the past year. Other digital versions may also be available to download e.g. from the publisher's website.
View more statistics
