Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Why EPA, DHA and Quality Matter for Inflammation

Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most extensively researched nutrients in modern nutrition science. They play a central role in regulating inflammation, supporting cardiovascular and brain health, and maintaining healthy cell function.

However, not all omega-3 supplements are equal. The dose, ratio of EPA to DHA, and the purity of the oil all determine whether a supplement will provide meaningful therapeutic benefit.

At Bounce Naturopath & Clinical Nutritionist, we focus on high-quality, clinically dosed omega-3 fatty acids, particularly for patients experiencing inflammatory conditions, metabolic stress, mood disturbances, or immune dysregulation.

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats, meaning the body cannot produce them and they must be obtained through diet or supplementation.

The three primary omega-3 fatty acids include:

Omega-3	Source	Primary Role
ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid)	Flaxseed, chia, walnuts	Plant precursor omega-3
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid)	Marine oils	Anti-inflammatory signalling
DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)	Marine oils	Structural brain and nerve lipid

Although the body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA, the conversion rate is extremely low (often less than 5%), which is why direct intake of EPA and DHA from marine sources is important for therapeutic effects.

EPA: The Anti-Inflammatory Omega-3

EPA plays a central role in regulating inflammation throughout the body. It is a precursor to resolvins and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, compounds that help calm excessive immune activation and support the resolution phase of inflammation. This is particularly important because many modern chronic diseases involve persistent low-grade inflammation.

EPA supports:

• Healthy inflammatory balance

• Cardiovascular health

• Healthy triglyceride levels

• Joint comfort and mobility

• Mood regulation

• Immune system balance

EPA is especially beneficial in conditions associated with inflammatory pathways, including:

• Cardiovascular disease risk

• Autoimmune conditions

• Metabolic syndrome

• Chronic pain or inflammatory joint conditions

• Mood disorders and depression

For many inflammatory conditions, EPA-dominant omega-3 formulations are preferred, as EPA exerts stronger anti-inflammatory signalling than DHA.

DHA: The Structural Omega-3

While EPA regulates inflammation, DHA plays a structural role in the body. DHA is a major component of cell membranes, particularly in the brain, retina and nervous system. In fact, approximately 30–40% of the fatty acids in the brain are DHA, making it essential for neurological health.

DHA supports:

• Brain function and cognition

• Nervous system communication

• Retinal and eye health

• Healthy cell membrane fluidity

• Fetal brain development during pregnancy

For this reason, DHA is particularly important for cognitive health, neurological development and healthy ageing.

Omega-3 and Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognised as a key driver of many modern health conditions, including:

• Cardiovascular disease

• Metabolic syndrome

• Autoimmune disorders

• Mood disorders

• Neurodegenerative disease

Omega-3 fatty acids help shift the body away from pro-inflammatory omega-6 derived mediators toward anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving signalling molecules.

EPA and DHA both contribute to the production of specialised pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) which help the immune system move from an inflammatory state into a healing and repair phase.

This is why omega-3 supplementation is commonly used in integrative and functional medicine protocols targeting inflammation.

Therapeutic Omega-3 Dosages

The dosage of omega-3 required depends on the clinical goal.

Typical Western diets provide far less omega-3 than required for therapeutic benefit.

Clinical dosing ranges often include:

Clinical Goal	Daily EPA + DHA Intake
General health	500–1000 mg
Cardiovascular support	1000–2000 mg
Anti-inflammatory support	2000–4000 mg
Mood and neurological support	1000–3000 mg EPA-dominant

For inflammatory conditions, higher EPA intake is typically preferred.

The Omega-3 We Recommend in Clinic

In clinic we recommend Designs for Health OmegAvail™ 1250, a highly concentrated fish oil in triglyceride form.

Each capsule provides:

Total omega-3 triglycerides: 1.25 g

• EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid): 750 mg

• DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid): 250 mg

This EPA-dominant ratio makes it particularly effective for supporting anti-inflammatory pathways.

Typical dosing used in practice

Goal	Suggested Dose
General health	1 capsule daily
Cardiovascular or metabolic support	2 capsules daily
Inflammatory conditions	2–4 capsules daily (practitioner guided)

The triglyceride form is also more bioavailable and better absorbed than many lower-quality ethyl ester fish oils.

Why Fish Oil Quality Matters

Omega-3 fatty acids are delicate molecules and can easily become oxidised when exposed to oxygen, heat or light.

Oxidised oils may:

• Develop a strong fishy smell

• Cause unpleasant aftertaste or burping

• Lose therapeutic activity

• Contribute to oxidative stress

Another important consideration is environmental contamination. Modern industry releases chemicals into the atmosphere and oceans which can accumulate in marine ecosystems and enter the seafood supply chain.

Potential contaminants include:

• Heavy metals

• Persistent organic pollutants

• Pesticides

• Residual solvents

• Microplastics

This is why purity testing and responsible sourcing are essential when choosing a fish oil supplement. With omega-3 supplements, you truly get what you pay for.

Rigorous Purity and Quality Testing

The fish oil used in OmegAvail™ comes from VivoMega™ Core and VivoMega™ Platinum concentrated fish oils, produced by GC Rieber in Kristiansund, Norway.

These oils undergo multiple levels of testing to ensure exceptional purity and freshness.

1. Raw Material Supplier Testing

GC Rieber performs extensive testing in its award-winning laboratory, conducting over 70,000 tests each year.

Testing includes:

• Oxidation levels

• Environmental contaminants

• Radioactivity

• Residual solvents

• Pesticides

The oil also undergoes centrifuge and filtration processes to remove microplastics and other impurities.

2. Raw Material Manufacturer Testing (Australia)

Once delivered to the Australian manufacturing facility, the oil undergoes further testing before encapsulation.

This includes:

• EPA and DHA assay testing

• Specific gravity testing

• Microbiological testing for bacterial or fungal contamination

Oxidation testing is repeated for:

• Peroxide value

• Anisidine value

• Total oxidation (Totox)

• Acid value

Environmental contaminant testing is also conducted on a yearly basis.

3. Finished Product Testing (TGO101)

As listed medicines on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, OmegAvail™ products must comply with TGO101 legislation, which sets strict quality standards for medicines in Australia.

This includes testing for:

• Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic)

• Pesticides and residual solvents

• Capsule dissolution

• Uniformity of dosage

Final assay testing confirms that the EPA and DHA amounts stated on the label are present in every capsule, and microbiological testing ensures no contamination during manufacturing.

Freshness and Manufacturing Standards

VivoMega™ fish oils are processed in Norway, which maintains some of the strictest fish oil production regulations in the world.

European EC 852/2004 hygiene legislation ensures:

• Fish must be processed within 24 hours, or refrigerated and processed within 35 hours of catch

• If delayed processing occurs, testing must confirm minimal protein breakdown

These strict standards ensure optimal freshness, quality and taste.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

When consuming therapeutic quantities of omega-3 fatty acids, sustainability is an important consideration. GC Rieber has been producing marine oils for over 140 years and operates under the guiding principle that:

Natural resources should be passed onto future generations in the same or better condition than when we found them.

The company holds certification from:

• IFFO Global Standard for Responsible Supply

• Friend of the Sea

• MarinTrust

The manufacturing facilities also operate under a zero-waste philosophy, recycling energy and repurposing waste materials from fish oil production.

This approach has helped achieve zero-carbon footprint manufacturing, monitored continuously by the company’s energy conservation team.

The Bottom Line

Omega-3 fatty acids — particularly EPA and DHA — are foundational nutrients for supporting:

• Healthy inflammatory balance

• Cardiovascular health

• Brain and cognitive function

• Immune system regulation

• Metabolic health

However, the benefits depend on adequate dosage and exceptional product quality.

At Bounce Naturopath & Clinical Nutritionist, we recommend clinically dosed, rigorously tested omega-3 oils, such as Designs for Health OmegAvail™ 1250, to ensure patients receive both the therapeutic dose and the highest purity available.

Because when it comes to omega-3 supplements, quality truly matters.

Ready to Reduce Inflammation and Support Your Health?

If you are dealing with chronic inflammation, fatigue, joint pain, gut issues, metabolic concerns or autoimmune symptoms, omega-3 fatty acids are often an important part of the solution — but they work best when combined with a personalised nutrition and supplement plan.

Every person’s inflammatory drivers are different, which is why I take a functional, evidence-based approach to identifying the root causes and building a targeted treatment strategy.

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About the Author

About Me

I'm Linda Dal Molin, a naturopath and clinical nutritionist with a postgraduate Master’s degree in Human Nutrition. I’ve used the GI-MAP test in my clinical practice for over 7 years, helping hundreds of clients uncover hidden gut imbalances and restore their health. I’ve also trained thousands of integrative health practitioners across Australia on interpreting and applying GI-MAP results — so you can be confident you’re working with someone who knows this test inside and out.

When we work together, you’re not just getting test results — you’re getting expert analysis, clear explanations, and a practical plan that works in real life.