Effectiveness of Omega-3 fatty acid for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness and safety of omega-3 fatty acid for patients with PCOS.MethodsIn this meta-analysis, data from randomized controlled trials were obtained to assess the effects of omega-3 fatty acid versus placebo or western medicine in women with PCOS. The study’s registration number is CRD42017065859. The primary outcomes included the change of homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) of insulin resistance, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and adiponectin.ResultNine trials involving 591 patients were included. Comparing with the control group, omega-3 fatty acid may improve HOMA index (WMD -0.80; 95% CI -0.89, − 0.71; P<0. 00001), decrease TC and TG level [TC: (WMD -9.43; 95% CI -11.90, − 6.95; P<0. 00001); TG: (WMD -29.21; 95% CI -48.08, − 10.34; P = 0. 002)], and increase adiponectin level (WMD 1.34; 95% CI 0.51, 2.17; P = 0. 002).ConclusionBased on current evidence, omega-3 fatty acid may be recommended for the treatment of PCOS with insulin resistance as well as high TC (especially LDL-C) and TG.

Effects of Stachys sylvatica hydroalcoholic extract on the ovary and hypophysis-gonadal axis in a rat with polycystic ovary syndrome

“…Studies on PCOS women have shown the ability of some dietary factors like anti-inflammatory materials to improve the metabolic disorder of patients [5,23]. Women with PCOS have demonstrated a higher level of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor, C-reactive protein, and tissue plasminogen activator in their blood which is associated with insulin resistance [17].…”

“…In this regard, some studies indicate that certain nutrition and dietary factors can decrease symptoms of the PCOS. Based on Yang et al's study in 2018, omega-3 fatty acid may be recommended for the treatment of PCOS in women with high insulin resistance as well as high cholesterol and triglyceride [5]. Other studies have indicated that herbal medicines especially herbs with anti-inflammatory effects can also be effective [6,7].…”

The effects of n-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil on genetic and metabolic profiles in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

“…n-3 Fatty acid supplementation in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients caused a significant improvement in TAG, VLDL-cholesterol and LDLcholesterol levels (9) . In some studies, n-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (28) and polycystic ovary syndrome (29) decreased plasma TAG levels. However, in contrast to our findings, Jovanovski et al (10) indicated that ALA did not affect glycaemic control.…”

Differences in fatty acid profiles and desaturation indices of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue between pregnant women with and without PCOS

“…Previously, the importance of FA profiles in AT of pregnant women and mothers has been shown by researchers from France [9], Poland [10], and Portugal [11], which warrants further studies in developing countries such as Iran. On the other hand, it has been suggested that FAs are associated with the risk of a wide range of chronic diseases such as PCOS [12,13]. In this regard, trans-FA (TFA) and saturated FA (SFA) are reported to play significant roles in the development of several disorders through their stimulating action and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contribute by their suppressive action [11,[13][14][15].…”

“…On the other hand, it has been suggested that FAs are associated with the risk of a wide range of chronic diseases such as PCOS [12,13]. In this regard, trans-FA (TFA) and saturated FA (SFA) are reported to play significant roles in the development of several disorders through their stimulating action and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contribute by their suppressive action [11,[13][14][15]. The increased amounts of linoleic acid (LA; C18:2 n-6) by 136% in the AT over the last half century in the United States [16], and the increase in the dietary n-6:n-3 FA ratio from 1:1 to 20:1 [17], point to their possible roles in chronic diseases such as PCOS.…”