Evidence supporting the use of: Eicosapentaenoic Acid
For the health condition: Peripheral Neuropathy
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found primarily in fish oil. Its use in supporting or treating peripheral neuropathy is grounded in emerging scientific research rather than traditional medicine. Peripheral neuropathy, characterized by nerve damage resulting in pain, numbness, and tingling, is often associated with diabetes and chemotherapy.
Some small clinical studies and animal models suggest that EPA, often in combination with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects that could benefit patients with peripheral neuropathy. Mechanistically, EPA can be incorporated into cell membranes, modulate inflammatory pathways, and potentially reduce oxidative stress and nerve injury. A few randomized controlled trials have examined omega-3 supplementation in diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, showing modest improvements in symptoms or nerve conduction; however, these studies are generally limited by small sample sizes, short durations, or the use of combined omega-3 formulations rather than EPA alone.
While the mechanistic rationale is plausible and preliminary studies are somewhat encouraging, the overall quality and amount of evidence is still limited. Most professional guidelines do not currently recommend EPA as a standard treatment for peripheral neuropathy due to insufficient robust clinical data. As such, the evidence rating is low (2/5), reflecting weak but suggestive scientific support rather than strong validation.
More about Eicosapentaenoic Acid
More about Peripheral Neuropathy
Other ingredients used for Peripheral Neuropathy
acetyl l-carnitineashwagandha
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
ginkgo biloba
gotu kola
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-glutathione
lion's mane
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nicotinamide riboside
omega-3 fatty acids
phospholipids
pine bark
quercetin
resveratrol
thiamin (vitamin B1)
tocotrienols
vitamin B
vitamin D
vitamin E
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Agmatine
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
anthocyanosides
Arginine silicate
Benfotiamine
Dihydrolipoic Acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Flavanols
Other health conditions supported by Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Alzheimer's DiseaseAngina
Arthritis
Asthma
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Congestive Heart Failure
Depression
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Fatty Liver Disease
Hypertension
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Migraine
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
PMS (general)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Strokes
Triglycerides (high)