Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are Omega-3 fatty acids found in Fish Oil. EPA is also in vegitarian sources such as seaweed, and the Omega-3 in flax oil can be converted to DHA and EPA in your body, but after age 35 this conversion becomes less efficient.

Our bodies naturally produce small amounts of DHA, but more is needed from diet or supplements.

According to most studies, fish or fish oil can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, reduce high triglyceride levels, raise HDL ("good") cholesterol levels, thin the blood, lower levels of homocysteine, and possibly reducing blood pressure. Fish oil can also stimulate the oxidation (or the "burning") of fat.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid or CLA is an Omega-6 fatty acid reduces the activity of the fat-storing enzyme lipoprotein-lipase which breaks down circulating fats for transfer from the bloodstream to the fat cells. With less lipoprotein-lipase, you have less dietary fat breakdown and less new body fat, which could then stimulate the breakdown of stored body fat (lipolysis).

These CLA products are all made from safflower oil. Cognis-Tonalin CLA in Dymatize is 100% concentrated. Clarinol CLA in Allmax is 95% concentrated. Fitness Pro is 80% concentrated.

Read more about how fats are used by your body on our Fats Info page