Synopsis

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

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish oil, and its potential benefits in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) have been the subject of scientific investigation. EPA is thought to exert neuroprotective effects through anti-inflammatory mechanisms, as chronic neuroinflammation is implicated in AD pathogenesis. Several observational studies suggest that higher dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, may be associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia. However, intervention trials with EPA (alone or as part of fish oil supplementation) in AD patients have yielded mixed results.

A few randomized controlled trials, such as the OmegAD study, assessed the impact of omega-3 supplementation (including EPA) on cognitive decline in AD patients, but results generally showed little or no significant benefit in slowing disease progression. Some post hoc analyses indicate that patients with very mild cognitive impairment or certain genetic backgrounds (e.g., non-APOE4 carriers) might benefit more, but these findings are inconsistent and require further validation. The 2020 Cochrane review concluded that there is insufficient evidence to recommend omega-3 supplementation for people with dementia due to a lack of clinically meaningful effects.

In summary, while there is a plausible biological rationale and some preliminary data suggesting a possible protective effect of EPA, robust clinical evidence supporting its use in the treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's Disease is limited. The current body of evidence rates as weak (2 out of 5), and EPA cannot be considered a proven therapy for Alzheimer's Disease at this time.

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Products containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Nature's Sunshine Circulatory System
Nature's Sunshine DHA
Nature's Sunshine Krill Oil (With Vitamin K2)
Nature's Sunshine Super Omega 3 EPA
Nature's Sunshine Super Omega 3 EPA
Nature's Sunshine Super Trio