An omega-3 label can show more than one figure: total oil, total omega-3, and the amounts of EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are different molecules, and the claims the regulations allow are different for each.
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This page shows the difference between the two, and which claims can be used in Türkiye and under what conditions.
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Both come from marine sources, and they are found in different places in the body.
DHA is a structural component of cell membranes and is found in high amounts in brain and retinal tissue. EPA makes up a smaller share of the membrane.
ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) from plant sources is also an omega-3, but it is a different molecule from EPA and DHA. The body converts only a limited amount of it into EPA and DHA.
The label of an omega-3 supplement can show three separate figures:
As the table below shows, the conditions are set in mg: 250 mg, 2 g, 3 g. So if the label does not list EPA and DHA separately, you cannot work out whether the condition of a claim is met.
Besides the amount, the form, purity, independent testing, heavy metals and freshness can also be read on the label or in the test report. We go through these six criteria one by one in the guide How to choose an omega-3.
In Türkiye, the health claims that can be used for food supplements are limited and listed one by one in the official List of Health Claims. These are the ones permitted for EPA and DHA, in their official wording:
| Permitted claim | Condition |
|---|---|
| “EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart.”* | The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA |
| “DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function.”* | The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA |
| “DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.”* | The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA |
| “DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels.”* | 2 g a day. The total daily intake should not exceed 5 g. Not to be used on products for children. |
| “DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels.”* | 2 g of DHA a day. DHA must be present together with EPA. The total daily intake should not exceed 5 g. Not to be used on products for children. |
| “DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.”* | 3 g a day. The total daily intake should not exceed 5 g. Not to be used on products for children. |
| “Maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake contributes to the normal brain development of the foetus and breastfed infants.”* | 200 mg of DHA a day in addition to the recommended intake for adults (for example 250 mg of DHA and EPA) |
| “Maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake contributes to the normal development of the eye of the foetus and breastfed infants.”* | Same condition |
What this table shows is that some claims belong to DHA alone. The brain and vision claims and the mother and baby claims are specific to DHA. The heart, blood triglyceride and blood pressure claims require the two to be taken together.
About the heart, blood triglyceride and blood pressure rows: these claims are for products that contain both fatty acids together. They are not used for NuaEPA®.
EPA has no authorised health claim on its own.
When they come separately, the amounts of EPA and DHA are independent of each other. You choose which one to take, how much per capsule and at what time of day. In a combined product, the manufacturer fixes the ratio. The Nua Series offers EPA and DHA in two separate capsules. The 90%+ purity mentioned in the cards below means that more than 90% of the fish oil in the capsule is omega-3 (mainly DHA in NuaDHA®, mainly EPA in NuaEPA®).
In re-TG form, over 90% purity, IFOS 5★ certified.
DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function.* DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.* The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA.
In re-TG form, over 90% purity, IFOS 5★ certified.
We do not use a health claim for EPA. This card gives only what the capsule contains.
NuaDHA® in the morning with food, NuaEPA® in the evening with food: one capsule of each a day. If you take medication regularly, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your physician before you start.
Two rhythms of the dayIn every Nua product, after purification the fatty acids are bound back onto a glycerol backbone, as in natural fish oil: re-esterified triglyceride (re-TG). We explain what the form is, and the related studies, on the Science page.
re-TG and the studiesSee which Nua Series format suits you in a few questions. This is not a health assessment. If you leave your email address at the end of the test, your 10% discount code for the online store is sent to your email. The test is currently in Turkish only.
Take the EPA or DHA? TestStart the TestJoin the newsletter for label-reading notes and new guides.
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The regulations do not set such a ranking. Each permitted claim has its own condition. Some depend only on the amount of DHA, others on EPA and DHA combined. The table above shows which claim depends on which amount.
When they come separately, the amounts of EPA and DHA are independent of each other. In a combined product, the manufacturer fixes the ratio.
The choice is a personal one. Within the Nua Series, the amount per capsule, the capsule size and the number of capsules in the box can guide you. If you have a health condition, take medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your physician or pharmacist.
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a chronic condition, consult your physician. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. *Health claims apply when the nutrient is consumed in sufficient amounts.
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