Evidence supporting the use of: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
For the body system: Eyes

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found primarily in marine sources such as fish oil. There is moderate scientific evidence supporting its role in eye health, particularly for its anti-inflammatory properties. EPA, often combined with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has been studied for its impact on dry eye syndrome and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), a large randomized controlled trial, evaluated supplementation with EPA and DHA in addition to other nutrients for AMD. While the addition of EPA and DHA did not provide statistically significant additional benefit for AMD progression compared to the original AREDS formulation, some secondary analyses and smaller studies suggest omega-3s may help reduce symptoms of dry eye disease, likely due to their ability to modulate inflammation and support tear production.

Professional organizations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology acknowledge the potential benefits of omega-3 supplementation for dry eye, but note that evidence is mixed and more research is needed. Overall, the use of EPA for eye health is scientifically plausible, especially in the context of anti-inflammatory effects, but the clinical evidence is moderate and not definitive for all eye conditions. EPA is not a cure-all, but may be useful as part of a broader strategy for supporting ocular surface health.

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Products containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Thorne Advanced DHA
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Pure Encapsulations O.N.E.™ Omega
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Metagenics OmegaGenics Algae EPA-DHA 300 mg
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Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA 1200 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 1000 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 1000 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 500 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 500 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 720 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 720 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 720 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil Mega 10®
Metagenics OmegaGenics Neuro 1000 mg
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Hi-Po
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Hi-Po
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Hi-Po Liquid
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Liquid
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Synergy
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Synergy
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ TG1000
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Ultra
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Ultra
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Ultra DHA
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Ultra with Vitamin D3, K1 and K2
Douglas Laboratories Opti-EPA 500 ™ Cholesterol Free
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Metagenics PlusOne® Daily Prenatal Packs
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Integrative Therapeutics Pure Omega HP
Integrative Therapeutics Pure Omega Liquid
Integrative Therapeutics Pure Omega Ultra HP
Pure Encapsulations PureNutrients EPA/DHA
Douglas Laboratories QÜELL® FISH OIL DHA Ultra SPM
Douglas Laboratories QUELL Fish Oil ® - EPA/DHA Plus D
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Thorne Super EPA
Thorne Super EPA NSF
Thorne Super EPA Pro
Vitabase Super Omega-3
Pure Encapsulations Ultra Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations VisionPro EPA/DHA/GLA
Pure Encapsulations VisionPro EPA/DHA/GLA
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Designs For Health XanthOmega™ Krill Oil