DHA, Docosahexaenoic acid or cervonic acid is an omega 3 essential fatty acid, a carboxylic acid commonly found in fish oils and microalgae. DHA is found in beef and eggs, but can be derived from eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, through docosapentaenoic acid, DPA. DHA has been discovered to restrain colon carcinoma cells in humans. DHA is found in large numbers in human brain and retina, half of plasma membranes of neurons is Docosahexaenoic acid. In recent times, due to changes in farming, DHA levels in common food have been decreasing, prompting the use of DHA as a food additive. DHA as a nutritional supplement is widely viewed as vital, Docosahexaenoic acid is also very often found in nutritional supplement compounds designated for pregnant women.

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), also known as icosapentaenoic acid and EPA, is a omega 3 fatty acid, a carboxylic acid which acts as a precursor for prostaglandin 3, thromboxane 3 and leukotriene 5 groups of eicosanoids. It is mostly found in fish oil, but can also be contained in human breast milk. In recent times, sources from microalgae have been preferred, due to the large quantities of toxins contained in fish swimming in polluted waters. Human body can produce EPA out of alpha linoleic acid, but since that ALA is an essential fatty acid, only excess amounts would be converted. EPA has been subject to studies pertaining to the use in treatment of schizophrenia, but it may also lower suicidal tendencies. Further use as breast cancer progression inhibitor is under investigation.