We explored the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), along with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and α-lipoic acid (LA), on heart health in a rat model mimicking menopause. This study focused on how these supplements could help in lowering oxidative stress, which is linked to cardiovascular risk, particularly after ovariectomy—a surgical procedure often used to induce menopause in animal studies.
Interestingly, the ovariectomy did not increase markers of heart damage, such as malondialdehyde and carbonyl levels. Instead, we found that supplementing with LA reduced these damage markers. Ovariectomy did elevate levels of some natural antioxidants in the heart, like glutathione and vitamin C, but all supplements notably restored these antioxidants to healthier levels.
While EPA’s isolated effects cannot be fully determined from this study, we observed that it contributes to a positive change in the overall antioxidant system without worsening lipid or protein damage. Thus, while the study shows some benefits, it does not highlight a significant isolated effect of EPA alone in managing menopausal symptoms or heart health.
Overall, we learned that the combination of DHA, EPA, and LA can help modulate the heart's antioxidant response, with LA showing additional protective effects against heart damage. This suggests a potential dietary approach to support heart health during menopause.