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

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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)
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alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
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balsam
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black seed
black tea
blackboard tree
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bupleurum falcatum
butterbur
cannabidiol
Carthamus
Chinese salvia root
Chinese silkvine
chrysanthemum
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cola nut
Corydalis
creatine
crocin
curcumin
danshen
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
docosahexaenoic Acid
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
feverfew
Ficus religiosa
Ficus simplicissima
fish
fish oil
flavanones
flavin mononucleotide
folic acid
frankincense
Gelsemium
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginkgolides
Ginkgoside
goldthread
gooseberry
gotu kola
Hellebore
Indian frankincense
iridoids
ketone salts
kuding tea
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lavender
lemon balm
Lesser speargrass
linalool
little ironweed
luteolin
magnesium
Meadowsweet
Melatonin
Mesua
Methylxanthine
Moringa
Nardostachys
Niacin (vitamin B3)
Night jessamine
omega-3 fatty acids
Osthole
paeoniflorin
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Peppermint
Petasines
Phthalides
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
Polygonum
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purple butterbur root
Pycnogenol
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riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Rubiaceae
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specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
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turmeric
ubiquinol
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vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
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