See the DrugPatentWatch profile for vascepa

Chia seeds and Vascepa are two sources of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). However, they differ in their EPA levels and potency.

Chia seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, which the body can convert into EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [1]. However, this conversion is not very efficient, with estimates suggesting that only 5-10% of ALA gets converted to EPA and even less to DHA [2]. Therefore, chia seeds are not a rich source of EPA or DHA.

On the other hand, Vascepa is a prescription medication that contains highly purified EPA in the form of ethyl esters [3]. Vascepa's active ingredient is icosapent ethyl, which is a stable and absorbable form of EPA [4]. Vascepa has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with elevated triglycerides [5].

Comparing the EPA levels and potency of chia seeds and Vascepa, it is clear that Vascepa is a more potent source of EPA. A single 1-gram capsule of Vascepa contains 840 mg of EPA [6], while a tablespoon of chia seeds contains only about 50-100 mg of ALA [1]. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, the conversion of ALA to EPA is not very efficient.

In conclusion, while chia seeds contain some omega-3 fatty acids, they are not a rich source of EPA compared to Vascepa. Vascepa's highly purified and stable form of EPA makes it a more potent and effective source of EPA for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

Sources:

1. USDA FoodData Central. Chia seeds, dried [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2023 Mar 14]. Available from: <https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169447/nutrients>.
2. Plourde M, Cunnane SC. Extremely limited synthesis of long chain polyunsaturates in adults: implications for their dietary essentiality and use as supplements. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2007;32(4):619-34.
3. Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) capsules, for oral use [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Amarin Pharma Inc.; 2021.
4. Davidson MH, Stein EA, Bays HE, Doyle RT, Furberg CD, Goldberg AC, et al. Efficacy and safety of vascepa in the reduction of triglyceride levels in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (MARINE): a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study. J Clin Lipidol. 2013;7(3):215-24.
5. Bhatt DL, Steg PG, Miller M, Brinton EA, Jacobson TA, Ketchum SB, et al. Cardiovascular risk reduction with icosapent ethyl for hypertriglyceridemia. N Engl J Med. 2019;380(1):11-22.
6. Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) capsules, for oral use [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Amarin Pharma Inc.; 2021.

Additional sources:

* DrugPatentWatch.com. Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2023 Mar 14]. Available from: <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/vascepa>.
* National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements - Omega-3 Fatty Acids [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2023 Mar 14]. Available from: <https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/>.