Research

Mixed

Higher circulating levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are inversely associated with the risk of incident atherothrombotic stroke, while higher levels of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) are inversely associated with cardioembolic stroke.

If you are concerned about stroke risk, maintaining healthy levels of specific omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and DPA may be beneficial. DHA appears to help prevent strokes caused by atherosclerosis (plaque buildup), while DPA may help prevent strokes caused by heart rhythm issues like atrial fibrillation. Since EPA did not show a significant association in this study, focusing on a balanced intake of all long-chain omega-3s through diet (fatty fish) or high-quality supplements is advisable, rather than relying on a single type.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
In 3 large, independent prospective US cohorts, we observed an inverse relationship between circulating levels of DPA and DHA and incident ischemic stroke. Among ischemic stroke subtypes, DHA was inversely associated with atherothrombotic stroke and DPA with cardioembolic stroke.
Hamidreza Saber et al. · Stroke · 2017

Why this rating

Large, prospective, multi-cohort observational study with rigorous adjudication of stroke subtypes and adjustment for confounders, but lacks randomization.

Source

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Incident Ischemic Stroke and Its Atherothrombotic and Cardioembolic Subtypes in 3 US Cohorts

Hamidreza Saber et al. · Stroke · 2017

DOI 10.1161/strokeaha.117.018235

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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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