Relationship: Stress and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

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

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Synopsis

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

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid found primarily in fish oil. Its use to support or treat stress is based on emerging scientific evidence rather than traditional medicine. Several studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, may help modulate the body’s response to psychological stress. The proposed mechanisms include anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of neurotransmitter systems (such as serotonin and dopamine), and influence on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, which governs stress responses. However, the clinical evidence specifically linking EPA supplementation to reductions in perceived stress or biological stress markers in humans is limited and mixed. Some randomized controlled trials have reported modest benefits of omega-3 supplementation (with high EPA content) in reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, or mood disturbances, particularly in populations under chronic stress or with depressive symptoms. Meta-analyses often note that the effect sizes are generally small and that study heterogeneity is high. The bulk of the evidence is stronger for EPA’s role in mood disorders like depression rather than in acute or chronic stress per se. In summary, while there is a plausible biological rationale and preliminary clinical data supporting EPA’s potential benefit in stress, the evidence is not robust or consistent enough for strong clinical recommendations. Therefore, EPA's use for stress is best described as scientifically plausible but not well-established, meriting a moderate evidence rating.

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Products containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

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

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Stress

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: Stress

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Stress

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: Stress