Evidence supporting the use of: Eicosapentaenoic Acid
For the health condition: Macular Degeneration

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in fish oil and is frequently used in combination with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to support eye health, including in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The scientific interest in EPA for AMD is based on its anti-inflammatory properties and its role in retinal cell membrane structure and function. The most significant clinical evidence comes from large randomized controlled trials such as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), which investigated the addition of EPA and DHA to the original AREDS formula for the prevention of progression to advanced AMD. The AREDS2 trial, published in 2013, found that supplementation with EPA and DHA did not significantly further reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD when added to the existing AREDS formulation (which contains antioxidants and zinc). However, subsequent analyses and observational studies have suggested that dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, may be associated with a lower risk of developing AMD or slowing its progression, though the evidence is not uniformly consistent. In summary, while EPA is included in some eye health supplements and there is a plausible biological rationale for its use, the overall scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for treating or preventing macular degeneration is moderate but not definitive, reflected by a rating of 3 out of 5.

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