Evidence supporting the use of: Eicosapentaenoic acid
For the body system: Eyes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found predominantly in fish oils and is widely studied for its health effects, including on eye health. Scientific evidence supports the use of EPA, often in combination with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for certain eye conditions, most notably dry eye disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews suggest that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can help improve symptoms of dry eye by enhancing tear production and reducing inflammation of the ocular surface. For AMD, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) evaluated EPA (with DHA) supplementation; while the study did not find a statistically significant reduction in progression to advanced AMD, other studies and meta-analyses suggest a possible protective effect, particularly when dietary intake of omega-3 is low. The anti-inflammatory properties of EPA are believed to play a key role in its ocular benefits, helping to reduce ocular surface inflammation and support retinal function. However, while the evidence is substantial, results are not uniformly positive across all studies, and the benefits may vary depending on baseline dietary intake and individual patient characteristics. In summary, the use of EPA to support eye health is supported by scientific research, particularly for dry eye symptoms, but more research is needed to clarify its role in preventing or treating other eye diseases.
Other ingredients that support Eyes
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dioneAcetyl L-carnitine
Alchornea
Algae
algal oil
Alpha-carotene
anchovies
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
anthocyanosides
apricot
Aronia melanocarpa
astaxanthin
avocado
barbary matrimony vine
bee products
Beef liver
berry
beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
bilberry
bioflavonoids
black currant
blackberry
Blakeslea trispora
blueberry
broccoli
calamari oil
cantaloupe
capsanthin
Carnosine
carotene (unspecified)
carrot
Celosia
chickweed
Chinese Ligustrum berry
chrysanthemum
citicoline
cocklebur
cod liver oil
cornflower
Cornus
crocetin
crocin
Crypthecodinium
cryptoxanthin
currant
cyanidin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
docosahexaenoic Acid
Dunaliella
Dunaliella salina
egg
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
ergothioneine
Eyebright
Fagopyrum
fat liver oil
fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
fish
fish oil
flavoglycosides
flavonoids
flavonols
fruit
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
Gac
gamma-carotene
ginkgo flavone glycoside
Glutathione
goji berry
gooseberry
Haematococcus pluvialis
haliotis
herbal blend (proprietary)
huckleberry
hyaluronic acid
Idebenone
kale
L-carnosine
L-taurine
Ligustrum
lipids
lutein
Lycium
marigold
Marine fat
Marine lipid
Melatonin
Mineral ascorbate
mixed carotenoids
Morus
Mulberry
N-Acetyl Carnosine
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
Phaffia rhodozyma
pine bark
Polygonum
polyphenols
polyunsaturated fat
proanthocyanidins
procyanidol
pumpkin
Pycnogenol
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose
rue
rutin
saffron
Salmon Oil
Schizochytrium
Schizochytrium Oil
Spanish Needle
spinach
Tagetes
Taurine
Tea
trace minerals
Triphala
Troxerutin
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin E
Xanthophyll
Zeaxanthin
Zinc
Other body systems supported by eicosapentaenoic acid
ArteriesBlood
Brain
Capillaries
Circulatory System
Eyes
Heart
Immune System
Intestinal System
Joints
Lungs
Reproductive System
Skin
