The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on biomarkers of inflammation: a rapid evidence assessment of the literature

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#anti-inflammatory-agents #biomarkers #cytokines #fatty-acids-omega-3 #humans

The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on biomarkers of inflammation: a rapid evidence assessment of the literature

Khorsan et al., 2014 | Mil Med | Systematic Review

Citation

Khorsan Raheleh, Crawford Cindy, ... Jonas Wayne B. The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on biomarkers of inflammation: a rapid evidence assessment of the literature. Mil Med. 2014-Nov;179(11 Suppl):2-60. doi:10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00339

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies of omega-3 fatty acids report improved outcomes where inflammation is a key factor. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate effects of omega-3s on inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS: Randomized clinical studies that measured the influence of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory biomarkers were identified using a comprehensive search. Eligible studies were rated with the American Dietetic Association Evidence Analysis Manual and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) process to examine study quality and risk/benefit. RESULTS: 112 studies were included. Over 65% reported statistically significant effects. The majority were scored as low risk of bias (high quality) and scored strong (cardiac populations and critically ill) to weak (Alzheimer's Disease, hypertriglyceridemia/diabetes, and obesity) on the risk/benefit ratio evidence for modulation of inflammatory biomarkers. There was inadequate data to determine a GRADE for inflammatory biomarker studies for some conditions (healthy individuals, rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic syndrome, renal disease, pregnancy, or children). CONCLUSION: Clinical literature on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory biomarkers contains mostly small sample sizes, is neutral to high quality, and report mixed effects. Larger studies examining dose and delivery are needed.

Key Findings

112 studies were included. Over 65% reported statistically significant effects. The majority were scored as low risk of bias (high quality) and scored strong (cardiac populations and critically ill) to weak (Alzheimer's Disease, hypertriglyceridemia/diabetes, and obesity) on the risk/benefit ratio evidence for modulation of inflammatory biomarkers. There was inadequate data to determine a GRADE for inflammatory biomarker studies for some conditions (healthy individuals, rheumatoid arthritis, met

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 112
Age Range See abstract
Condition diabetes

MeSH Terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Systematic Review
  • Vertical: omega-3-inflammation

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09