How high-purity EPA in fish oil can support your heart, brain, and long-term health

According to the American Heart Association, 90% of cardiovascular events can be addressed with the right education and proactive supplement choices. With so many Americans concerned about their heart health, understanding the power of omega-3s—particularly EPA—can be a critical step toward living a longer, healthier life.

For over two decades, the AHA and countless research studies have emphasized the importance of omega-3s in supporting heart and brain health. While DHA often gets the spotlight, a growing body of research points to EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) as a key player in promoting cardiovascular resilience, cognitive clarity, and healthy aging.

What are omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have been linked to supporting strong heart health, brain function, and reduced inflammation—all critical factors for longevity. But what does the research say about omega-3s and enhancing lifespan.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that perform crucial functions throughout the body. Omega-3s make up an important component of your cell membranes, which help your cells communicate with one another and keep their structure–making them incredibly important for cellular health.

Omega-3s are essential fats the body cannot produce on its own. There are three main types:

• EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) – Reduces oxidative stress, protects heart health, benefits brain function, and more.
  

• DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) – Essential for brain function and nervous system health.
  

• ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) – Found in plant sources (fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, and algae-based supplements)., but conversion to EPA and DHA is inefficient.

Other benefits of taking omega-3 fatty acids have been extensively explored, with studies showing that these fatty acids can support brain health and development, skin, mood, joints and neurological function.

Why does EPA matter?

EPA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid known for its role in reducing regulating lipid levels, protecting against oxidative stress, and feeding the brain with nutrients that support its function. It integrates into cell membranes, reinforcing their structure and helping to regulate the biological signals that influence everything from heart rhythm to mood.

While EPA is often paired with DHA in fish oil supplements, emerging evidence suggests that high-purity EPA formulations—those that deliver a concentrated dose without unnecessary additives—can offer more targeted support for:

• Cardiovascular function

• Cognitive performance

• Blood vessel elasticity

• Cellular protection and energy production

Unlike ALA (found in plant-based sources), which must be converted by the body into EPA and DHA, marine-based EPA is ready to be absorbed and used by your cells.

The challenge? Many over-the-counter fish oils contain low concentrations of EPA, with added fillers and potentially oxidized oils that reduce their effectiveness.

Heart health, brain function, and EPA

Here’s how EPA helps the systems that matter most as we age:

1. Cardiovascular health

EPA has been shown to help lower triglycerides, support healthy blood pressure, and improve arterial flexibility. It does this by reducing inflammation and improving lipid metabolism, which in turn helps keep your blood vessels clear and functioning efficiently.

2. Cognitive function

EPA plays a crucial role in regulating neurotransmitters and brain signaling. It has been associated with improvements in memory, focus, and overall cognitive performance. Studies also suggest EPA may help promote a more positive mood by influencing serotonin pathways in the brain.

3. Cellular resilience

As the body ages, cells face increasing oxidative stress and mitochondrial decline. EPA helps defend against this by integrating into cell membranes, enhancing their structural integrity and supporting mitochondrial health—key for energy production and aging well.

How long until you feel the benefits?

Consistency is key. Most people start to notice improvements in energy, mood, cardiovascular function, and cognitive clarity within 4–6 weeks of taking a high-EPA omega-3 supplement daily.

Common benefits include:

• More stable blood pressure

• Balanced triglyceride levels

• Improved focus and memory

• Less oxidative stress

• Greater heart rate variability and stress resilience

Why purity and sustainability matter

When it comes to omega-3s, purity isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Low-quality fish oils can be contaminated with heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs, or may have gone rancid due to poor storage or manufacturing practices. These degraded oils may do more harm than good, promoting inflammation rather than reducing it.

To ensure both safety and effectiveness, look for fish oil that is:

• High in EPA content (at least 800mg per serving)

• Third-party tested for purity and potency

• Free from artificial additives

• Sustainably sourced and certified (Friend of the Sea, MarinTrust, etc.)

• Delivered in re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) form for superior absorption

A premium, high-EPA fish oil can support optimal cardiovascular function while also helping reduce oxidative stress and maintain healthy lipid levels over time.

Not all fish oil supplements are trustworthy. Many offer:

• Low concentrations of EPA

• Unknown or untested sources

• Toxins and heavy metals

• Poor absorption rates

• Unsustainable harvesting practices

For those serious about long-term health, choosing a clean, concentrated EPA source from sustainable, wild-caught fish like anchovies, sardines, and mackerel is a smarter, safer choice for both the body and the planet.

Final thoughts

Your heart, brain, and cells deserve more than just any omega-3 supplement. They need the right kind of support—high-purity EPA in a bioavailable, sustainably sourced form—to help you thrive through every stage of life.

While a healthy diet and active lifestyle are the foundation, adding a high-EPA fish oil supplement like MitoQ Advanced EPA Omega-3 may be one of the best science-backed ways to support longevity, mental sharpness, and cardiovascular resilience.