Synopsis

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

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid primarily found in fish oil. Its use in osteoporosis management is based on emerging scientific evidence rather than strong traditional usage. Several preclinical and clinical studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, may exert beneficial effects on bone metabolism. Mechanistically, EPA is believed to reduce inflammation by modulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can negatively affect bone resorption and formation. Animal studies have demonstrated that diets enriched with EPA can result in increased bone mineral density (BMD) and improved bone microarchitecture. Human observational studies and a few randomized controlled trials have reported modest positive associations between higher omega-3 intake and BMD or reduced fracture risk, especially in older adults.

However, the clinical evidence remains limited and somewhat inconsistent. Most available studies have small sample sizes, short durations, or combine EPA with other nutrients (such as DHA or vitamin D), making it difficult to isolate EPA's specific effects. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while there is some promise, more robust and well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of EPA supplementation for osteoporosis prevention or treatment. As such, EPA's use in osteoporosis is scientifically motivated, but the strength of evidence is currently moderate to low, justifying a rating of 2 on the evidence scale.

More about EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
More about Osteoporosis

Other ingredients used for Osteoporosis

Other health conditions supported by EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Products containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Thorne Advanced DHA
Vitabase Complete Essential Fatty Acids
Pure Encapsulations DHA Ultimate
Pure Encapsulations DHA Ultimate
Pure Encapsulations EFA Essentials
Pure Encapsulations Energize Plus™ Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations EPA/DHA
Pure Encapsulations EPA/DHA essentials 1,000 mg
Pure Encapsulations EPA/DHA essentials 1,000 mg
Vitabase EPA / DHA Omega-3
Pure Encapsulations EPA/DHA with Lemon
Pure Encapsulations EPA Ultimate
Klean Athlete Klean Omega ™
Douglas Laboratories Krill Oil
Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex
Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex
Metagenics MetaKids DHA
Pure Encapsulations NeuroMood Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E.™ Omega
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E.™ Omega
Thorne Omega-3 w/ CoQ10
Thorne Omega Superb Lemon Berry
Metagenics OmegaGenics Algae EPA-DHA 300 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics EPA DHA 2400 Fish Oil
Metagenics OmegaGenics EPA-DHA 300 Lemon Lime
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
Douglas Laboratories Opti-EPA 500 ™ Cholesterol Free
Metagenics PlusOne® Daily Prenatal Packs
Thorne Prenatal DHA
Pure Encapsulations Pro-Resolve Omega
Thorne Pro-Resolving Mediators
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
Metagenics SPM Active
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
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Active Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials® Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Healthy Balance Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Women's Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Women's Prime Daily Packs
Designs For Health XanthOmega™ Krill Oil