The proportion of EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, in your red blood cells.
EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid, is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid found mainly in oily fish and fish oil. This test reports how much EPA sits in your red blood cell membranes, as a percentage of all the fatty acids there.
Because red blood cells live for about four months, this percentage reflects your average EPA status over weeks rather than your last meal.
EPA is best known for its role in calming inflammation and supporting heart health. Along with DHA, it makes up the Omega-3 Index. A low EPA percentage is common in people who eat little oily fish.
Looking at EPA on its own helps show which omega-3s you are getting, since fish oil tends to raise EPA more than plant sources do.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
There is no single official cut-off for EPA alone. It is interpreted as part of the Omega-3 Index, where EPA plus DHA above 8% of red blood cell fatty acids is considered desirable. EPA values vary widely with diet and supplements. Ranges depend on the lab and method.
You learn your long-term EPA status as a clear percentage and how it contributes to your overall omega-3 picture. A low value can guide oily fish or supplement choices within a personalized action plan.
Recent changes in fish or supplement intake take weeks to show in the membrane value. Methods differ between labs, so compare results from the same assay.
Best read alongside the Omega-3 Index, DHA percentage, and ALA percentage.
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