The Inuit people of the FAR North eat a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids as they consume large amount of seal meat and blubber and as a result receive a significant amount of three essential fatty acids, EPA, DHA and DPA.

We can learn a lot from these people who eat all the things that are blamed for heart disease and cancers (meat and fat) yet somehow had little to no diseases of modern man.

Seal oil has the choice for the three omega 3 EFA's and is an integral part of the heart prevention trio of necessary therapeutic nutrients.

Seal Oil contains approximately DPA 23mg EPA 38mg DHA 45mg

Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA) is not readily found in fish oils and is an important factor in preventing plaque and keeping the arteries soft and elastic.

DPA is an essential fatty acid containing 22 carbon bonds, but unlike its 'cousin' DHA it only has 5 (cis) double bonds. Not a great deal is known about how DPA contributes to the overall efficacy of Omega 3, but increased research is under way to gain a better understanding.

DPA is often overlooked as a significant component of long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids. This is primarily because most Omega-3 studies are conducted using fish or fish oil that contain only small amounts of DPA. Relatively few studies have been done using seal oil with its much higher content of DPA.

DPA works with EPA and DHA to provide health benefits to the heart. Population studies show that higher levels of DPA result in lower rates of coronary heart disease risks. In addition, while EPA is known for its cardiovascular benefits, DPA is said to be ten times more effective than EPA in healing damaged blood vessels.

Here are some studies :

Effects of duodenal seal oil administration in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

G Arslan, LA Brunborg, L Frøyland, JG Brun... - Lipids, 2002 - Springer

Beneficial effect of fish oil on blood viscosity in peripheral vascular disease.

A friend who is a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, states "Seal oil does seem to have some positive effects - on cholesterol levels (raising good and lowering bad) - and in comparison with fish oil, it also appears to help lower blood pressure and does not affect platelets as much... so may be good switch."

Seal oil is quite high in DPA and some researchers feel that it may be a contributing factor to the overall good cardiovascular health of the Eskimos.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)is long-chain omega 3 fatty acid that is important for human health, however unlike DHA, it is not stored as well in the body and therefore must be consumed on a regular and ongoing basis.

EPA plays a significant role in reducing the triglyceride level in the blood, has mild blood thinning properties and may reduce the risk of blood clots. By moderating the body's immune response, EPA can also reduce chronic inflammation, which can lead to a reduction in pain and swelling of the joints.