Relationship: Migraine and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Evidence supporting the use of: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
For the health condition: Migraine

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis
Other ingredients for this health condition
Other health conditions supported by this ingredient
Products containing this ingredient

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish oil, has been investigated for its potential role in migraine management, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The scientific rationale is based on the role of neuroinflammation in migraine pathophysiology and EPA's ability to alter inflammatory mediators. Several small clinical studies and randomized controlled trials have explored the effects of omega-3 supplementation (usually EPA combined with DHA, another omega-3) on migraine frequency and intensity. Some trials have reported modest reductions in migraine frequency and duration, but results are inconsistent and often limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and varying dosages and formulations.

A 2021 study published in BMJ (Ramsden et al.) found that diets higher in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) reduced the frequency and severity of headaches in chronic migraine sufferers compared to control diets. However, the effect sizes were moderate, and the intervention included both EPA and DHA, making it difficult to isolate EPA’s specific contribution. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses acknowledge potential benefits but conclude that the overall evidence remains limited and of low quality. No major guidelines currently recommend EPA specifically for migraine, and more robust, well-powered research is needed.

In summary, while there is some scientific investigation and plausible biological rationale for EPA's use in migraine, the clinical evidence is weak to moderate at best (rated 2/5). EPA is not a standard treatment, but ongoing research may clarify its role in the future.

More about EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
More about Migraine

Other ingredients used for Migraine

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
ashwagandha
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
black tea
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
Chinese salvia root
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
curcumin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
feverfew
fish oil
ginger
ginkgo biloba
gooseberry
gotu kola
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lavender
luteolin
magnesium
melatonin
moringa
niacin (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
purple butterbur root
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
almond fruit
ubiquinol
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
zinc
atractylodes
blackboard tree
swertia
lingusticum wallichii
chrysanthemum
soursop
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Apple Cider Vinegar
Albizia
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Acetylsalicylic acid
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Blepharis
Balsam
Banyan
Brahmi
Butterbur
Bifidobacteria
Black Hellebore
Chinese Silkvine
Crocin
Creatine
Cannabidiol
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Danshen
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Folic Acid
Goldthread
Ketone Salts
Little ironweed
Spikenard
Sandalwood

Products containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
For the health condition: Migraine

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Migraine

Other health conditions supported by EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Products containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)For the health condition: Migraine

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Migraine

Other health conditions supported by EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Products containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Evidence supporting the use of: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
For the health condition: Migraine