Selected references across five research areas are listed below. Reviews synthesise existing evidence; randomised trials test specific interventions. This is an introductory selection, not an exhaustive bibliography. Findings must be interpreted in the context of dose, formulation, population and study design, and do not establish the clinical effects of SHINE EPA 500.
Bazinet RP & Layé S (2014). Polyunsaturated fatty acids and their metabolites in brain function and disease. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15:771–785.
Research type: Mechanistic review.
Explains how fatty acids in cell membranes and their metabolites participate in brain signalling and cellular processes.
Interpretation: Covers several fatty acids, including DHA and arachidonic acid; it does not demonstrate EPA-specific supplement benefits.
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Calder PC (2015). Marine omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: Effects, mechanisms and clinical relevance. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1851:469–484.
Research type: Biological and clinical review.
Examines EPA and DHA incorporation, lipid-derived signals and evidence across experimental and clinical settings.
Interpretation: Mechanistic findings and disease-specific studies cannot be generalised to every fish-oil formulation or dose.
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Peng Q (2026). Eicosapentaenoic acid in emotional well-being and brain aging: evidence boundaries, clinical heterogeneity, and a peripheral-to-central resolution-biology framework. Frontiers in Nutrition, 13:1878417.
Research type: Critical narrative review; synthesis entry point.
Summarises EPA-specific and broader omega-3 research, biological pathways, differences between trials and future research priorities.
Interpretation: One synthesis of the field, not its sole authority or a product trial. The proposed framework requires validation. The author disclosed a Forehealth product interest; no external funding.
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Appleton KM et al. (2021). Omega-3 fatty acids for depression in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD004692.
Research type: Systematic review of randomised trials.
Evaluates clinical studies of omega-3 supplementation in adults with depression.
Interpretation: Evidence certainty and clinical relevance remain limited, with substantial differences between studies. This is not evidence for treating depression with SHINE EPA 500.
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Chew EY et al. (2015). Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Lutein/Zeaxanthin, or Other Nutrient Supplementation on Cognitive Function: The AREDS2 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 314:791–801.
Research type: Randomised trial.
Studied cognitive outcomes with nutrient supplementation in older adults enrolled in AREDS2; the omega-3 intervention did not improve the measured cognitive outcomes.
Interpretation: The mixed EPA/DHA formulation and eye-disease study population limit extrapolation to isolated EPA or other populations.
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Serhan CN (2014). Pro-resolving lipid mediators are leads for resolution physiology. Nature, 510:92–101.
Research type: Mechanistic review.
Describes resolvins, protectins and maresins and how lipid mediators participate in the resolution of inflammatory responses.
Interpretation: Much of this evidence concerns experimental models or administration of mediators; taking fish oil is not equivalent to receiving a mediator therapy.
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Serhan CN & Levy BD (2018). Resolvins in inflammation: emergence of the pro-resolving superfamily of mediators. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 128:2657–2669.
Research type: Mechanistic review.
Explores mediator biosynthesis, cellular actions and endogenous resolution programmes.
Interpretation: Biological plausibility does not establish an anti-inflammatory treatment effect for a finished supplement; clinical translation requires separate testing.
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Bhatt DL et al. (2019). Cardiovascular Risk Reduction with Icosapent Ethyl for Hypertriglyceridemia. New England Journal of Medicine, 380:11–22.
Research type: Randomised clinical trial; REDUCE-IT.
Found fewer cardiovascular events with prescription icosapent ethyl in selected statin-treated patients at elevated cardiovascular risk.
Interpretation: Used 4 g/day of a prescription EPA preparation. These findings do not establish equivalent benefits for a 500 mg EPA nutritional supplement or brain outcomes.
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Nicholls SJ et al. (2020). Effect of High-Dose Omega-3 Fatty Acids vs Corn Oil on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk: The STRENGTH Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 324:2268–2280.
Research type: Randomised clinical trial.
Found no significant cardiovascular-event benefit for a high-dose mixed EPA/DHA preparation compared with corn oil.
Interpretation: Different results across trials highlight differences in formulation, comparator and population; they do not prove one retail supplement is superior. Neither trial directly tests neurovascular benefits.
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EFSA NDA Panel (2010). Scientific assessment of EPA/DHA and normal cardiac function. EFSA Journal, 8(10):1796.
Resource type: Scientific assessment of a nutritional function.
The assessment links 250 mg EPA+DHA daily to maintenance of normal cardiac function.
Interpretation: Ingredient-level nutrition evidence; not approval of SHINE EPA 500 or proof that it prevents cardiovascular disease.
Read the EFSA explanation
Okereke OI et al. (2020). Effect of Long-term Vitamin D3 Supplementation vs Placebo on Risk of Depression or Clinically Relevant Depressive Symptoms and on Change in Mood Scores: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 324:471–480.
Research type: Randomised clinical trial; VITAL-DEP.
Vitamin D3 did not significantly prevent depression or improve mood scores in adults without clinically relevant depressive symptoms at baseline.
Interpretation: Nutrient biology does not imply a mood benefit from supplementation in generally healthy adults.
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Knapen MHJ et al. (2015). Menaquinone-7 supplementation improves arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women. A double-blind randomised clinical trial. Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 113:1135–1144.
Research type: Randomised clinical trial.
Examined vascular measurements after three years of MK-7 supplementation in postmenopausal women and reported changes in arterial-stiffness measures.
Interpretation: Used 180 mcg/day, compared with 20 mcg K2 per SHINE EPA 500 serving. Surrogate vascular measurements do not establish prevention of clinical events or combined-formula efficacy.
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Traber MG & Atkinson J (2007). Vitamin E, antioxidant and nothing more. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 43:4–15.
Research type: Biochemical review.
Discusses alpha-tocopherol as a lipid-soluble antioxidant and its role in limiting lipid oxidation.
Interpretation: This is biological context, not proof of improved mood, product shelf life or synergy between the ingredients in SHINE EPA 500.
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NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin D — Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
Resource type: Authoritative nutrition resource summarising physiology and research.
Vitamin D contributes to normal immune function. The resource also explains intake, nutritional status and differences between supplementation studies.
Interpretation: A nutrient’s normal role does not mean that extra intake benefits everyone, or establishes prevention or treatment of infection.
Read the NIH nutrition resource
The references provided here are intended for educational purposes to support understanding of nutrition science. They do not constitute medical advice, nor are they intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or supplement routine.
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