Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular risk-related metabolic markers in diverse populations: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Omega-3 PUFA supplementation significantly decreased triglyceride (TG) levels.

• TG decreased by 16.95 mg/dl (95% CI: -23.25, -10.66)
• Based on 21 trials with n=1491 subjects
• This was among the most consistent findings across the meta-analysis

Omega-3 PUFA supplementation significantly increased HDL cholesterol levels.

• HDL increased by 1.55 mg/dl (95% CI: 0.69, 2.42)
• Based on 22 trials with n=1914 subjects
• This was the finding with the largest number of trials and subjects in the meta-analysis

Omega-3 PUFA supplementation significantly increased adiponectin levels.

• Adiponectin increased by 0.96 μg/ml (95% CI: 0.03, 1.8)
• Based on 3 trials with n=198 subjects
• Adiponectin is an adipokine associated with cardiovascular risk

Omega-3 PUFA supplementation significantly decreased HbA1c levels.

• HbA1c decreased by 0.17% (95% CI: -0.29, -0.04)
• Based on 3 trials with n=283 subjects
• HbA1c is a glycemic marker relevant to cardiovascular risk

Omega-3 PUFA supplementation significantly decreased LDL cholesterol specifically in women and in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• LDL decreased by 10.98 mg/dl in women (4 trials, n=236; 95% CI: -19.41, -2.5)
• LDL decreased by 13.77 mg/dl in the PCOS subgroup (3 trials, n=180; 95% CI: -22.83, -4.7)
• These sex- and condition-specific effects were not observed in the overall population

Omega-3 PUFA supplementation significantly decreased total cholesterol (TC) specifically in women.

• TC decreased by 15.58 mg/dl in women (4 trials, n=236; 95% CI: -24.64, -6.53)
• This effect was identified in a sex-specific subgroup analysis
• The overall meta-analysis included 24 studies with 2043 subjects

The meta-analysis identified differential benefits of omega-3 PUFA supplementation across specific patient populations including cardiovascular disease, PCOS, and kidney disease patients.

• Literature search covered PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to October 11, 2024
• Randomized controlled trials were selected as the study design
• Outcome variables included TG, LDL, HDL, TC, apolipoprotein, adipokine, HbA1c, CRP, and oxidative stress biomarkers
• Special benefits were noted particularly in older women