SPM vs omega-3: what really sets them apart

The evolution of omega-3: discover bioactive SPM.

If you take omega-3 to look after your joints or to recover better from physical effort, chances are you have heard about SPM. Both come from marine oils, but their roles are different.

What an omega-3 really provides

A conventional omega-3 supplement provides two fatty acids: EPA and DHA. They are the raw material the body uses for many functions — among them, producing the molecules involved in the resolution of inflammation.

The key words are raw material. EPA and DHA are precursors: before an inflammatory response can be brought to a close, the body has to convert them enzymatically into SPM. That conversion usually calls for a high omega-3 intake and, on top of that, does not work with the same efficiency in everyone. Age, diet, genetics and overall metabolic health all influence how much of it the body puts to use.

Omega-3 is the starting point. SPM represent the next stage of the process.

Where SPM come in

Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPM) are the molecules at the end of that conversion: 18-HEPE, 17-HDHA and 14-HDHA. They are what the body actually uses to close the inflammatory response and return to balance.

It helps to understand that inflammation is not a failure. It is a protective response that clears damaged cells and starts repair. But for recovery to be complete, that response has to be resolved actively, not simply switched off. SPM are in charge of that final step.

A Lipinova® SPM supplement is concentrated and standardised to deliver those lipid mediators directly, as well as providing the precursors, so it no longer depends on each person’s capacity to convert them.

So, which one is better?

It depends on what you want it for.

An omega-3 is a foundational food supplement. If you are after a general intake of fatty acids for overall wellbeing, it does that job.

A Lipinova® SPM supplement directly supports the resolution of inflammation after effort or daily wear.

They are not mutually exclusive, nor should they be read as better or worse than each other. Each plays a different role: omega-3 offers general support, while SPM act more specifically. The choice depends on what you need.

How long until you notice it?

This is where the main difference lies.

Because omega-3 requires conversion, reaching relevant levels of mediators takes time — usually months of consistent intake — and varies considerably from person to person.

With Lipinova® SPM, that step is shortened. Clinical studies in patients with this ingredient have described changes between the first and the fourth week. Results varied according to the level of inflammation recorded in each patient.

Neither produces immediate effects. Lipinova® SPM, however, acts on a later phase of the biological process, so the results tend to be noticed sooner.

*Irún P et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(22):16143.

*Dyerberg J et al. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. 2010;83(3):137-41.

Not every product that mentions SPM reflects the same level of scientific development.

To understand what sets the most advanced formulations apart, there are four key factors worth looking at.

Standardisation in the specific markers.

The product should state its content of 18-HEPE, 17-HDHA and 14-HDHA. If the label only says SPM without quantifying the mediators, there is no way to know what you are taking.

Research on the ingredient.

When choosing an SPM product, consider whether the specific ingredient used in the product has been clinically tested, as is the case with Lipinova® SPM.

Independent batch testing.

Third-party verification confirms that the label matches the contents. For athletes subject to anti-doping controls, dedicated programmes add screening for banned substances.

The chemical form matters.

We recommend choosing a product that provides SPMs in triglyceride form, such as Lipinova® SPM, as this form can enhance their absorption in the body.

An omega-3 provides EPA and DHA. A Lipinova® SPM supplement provides the lipid mediators already formulated to specifically support the resolution of inflammation.