DHA and EPA DHA・EPA
Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids that are abundant in fish oil.
In Japan: Foods with Function Claims notifications
Functions claimed (counted from notifications with this ingredient alone)
| Function | Notifications |
|---|---|
| Triglycerides | |
| Memory and cognitive function | |
| Knees, lower back, and joints | |
| Fatigue | |
| Sleep quality | |
| Stress and tension |
Examples of notified claims (our translation)
This product contains DHA and EPA. DHA has been reported to support memory and judgment, which are part of the cognitive function that declines with age in middle-aged and older adults. (Memory: the ability to remember and recall information about numbers. Judgment: the ability to recognize information in numbers and letters and act on it.) DHA and EPA have been reported to have a function of lowering blood triglycerides.
This product contains EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA have been reported to maintain memory, which is part of the cognitive function that declines with age in middle-aged and older adults. *Memory means the ability to temporarily remember things and recall them.
This product contains serine and EPA. Taking serine and EPA together has been reported to have a function of easing the discomfort in the lower back and knees of healthy people who have such discomfort.
Cautions written in the notifications (most common)
- “If you are taking anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, blood-sugar-lowering drugs, antihypertensive drugs, or the like, consult your doctor or pharmacist.” (43 notifications)
- “If you are taking anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or blood-pressure-lowering drugs, consult your doctor or pharmacist.” (13 notifications)
- “If you are taking platelet aggregation inhibitors, medication for high blood pressure, or medication for diabetes, consult your doctor.” (5 notifications)
- “If you are taking anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, blood-sugar-lowering drugs, antihypertensive drugs, or the like, consult your doctor or pharmacist.” (5 notifications)
- “Depending on your condition or constitution, allergic symptoms such as a rash may rarely occur.” (2 notifications)
Under Foods with Function Claims, the company notifies the Consumer Affairs Agency of the scientific evidence on its own responsibility; the government does not review or approve it. You can look up each product's notification by the number on the package in the Consumer Affairs Agency's database (Japanese).
In Japan: Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU)
Approved claims by category: Triglycerides 8, Circulation and cold sensitivity 1
Imark S contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which act to lower blood triglycerides, so it suits people who are concerned about their blood triglycerides.
This product contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which act to lower serum triglycerides, so it is a food suited to people who are concerned about their serum triglycerides.
FOSHU products are reviewed and approved one by one by the government (Consumer Affairs Agency) for effectiveness and safety. The counts are of products whose functional ingredient matches this ingredient. Source: Consumer Affairs Agency, list of approved FOSHU products (Japanese). Claims are our translation.
In the EU: the register of health claims
EU-authorised claim
- The claims "DHA contributes to normal brain function and the maintenance of normal vision" (250 mg per day) and "EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart" (250 mg per day) are authorised.
- "Maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels" (2 g per day) and "maintenance of normal blood pressure" (3 g per day) are also authorised. For these two, the labelling must state that a daily intake of more than 5 g should not be exceeded.
In the EU, only health claims whose evidence has been assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and authorised by the European Commission may be used on food. “Not authorised” means the evidence for that claim was not established under EU standards — not that the ingredient is dangerous.
What the US NIH says
- Large trials and reviews have not shown a clear benefit of fish oil supplements for preventing conditions such as heart disease and cancer. On the other hand, eating fish one to four times a week is associated with fewer deaths from heart disease.
- Side effects are generally mild (a fishy taste in the mouth, heartburn, nausea, and the like). People taking blood thinners such as warfarin should consult a health care provider.
Sources: MHLW eJIM (integrative medicine information site) "Omega-3 fatty acids", NCCIH
Find products PR
These are Japanese online shops (affiliate links).
Example of a FOSHU product with this ingredient
DHA入りリサーラソーセージ （Umios株式会社）
FOSHU, approval No. 1718. Chosen from products sold on Rakuten whose names match the Consumer Affairs Agency's list of approved FOSHU products (with sales in fiscal 2024), picking one with many reviews.
See on Rakuten (emon-otodoke)See on Amazon.co.jpThis database does not guarantee any product's effect. For Foods with Function Claims, check the notification number on the package; for Foods with Nutrient Function Claims, check the amount per daily serving.
Compare “DHA EPA サプリ” products on RakutenCompare “DHA EPA サプリ” products on Amazon.co.jpRelated articles
Other ingredients in the same categories
This page is a translation of our Japanese page; if they differ, the Japanese page is the reference.