Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women: systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#bone-remodeling #fatty-acids-omega-3 #female #humans #osteocalcin

Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women: systematic review and meta-analysis

Shen et al., 2017 | Climacteric | Meta Analysis

Citation

Shen D, Zhang X, ... Chen L. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women: systematic review and meta-analysis. Climacteric. 2017-Dec;20(6):522-527. doi:10.1080/13697137.2017.1384952

Abstract

AIM: There is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women. Thus, we systematically reviewed the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids by conducting a meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched in December 2016. The standardized mean difference (SMD) or weighted mean difference (WMD) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a fixed-effects model. RESULTS: Eight trials were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled findings did not identify significant decreases in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (SMD -0.08, 95% CI -0.29 to 0.12, p = 0.429) and collagen type I cross-linked C-telopeptide (WMD 0 ng/ml, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.04, p = 0.899). There was a significant decrease in osteocalcin (WMD -0.86 ng/ml, 95% CI -1.68 to -0.04, p = 0.040) as compared with control. CONCLUSION: Omega-3 fatty acids reduced postmenopausal women's serum osteocalcin. Further well-designed studies are needed to verify the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on bone mass density and other bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016053219 ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ ).

Key Findings

Eight trials were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled findings did not identify significant decreases in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (SMD -0.08, 95% CI -0.29 to 0.12, p = 0.429) and collagen type I cross-linked C-telopeptide (WMD 0 ng/ml, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.04, p = 0.899). There was a significant decrease in osteocalcin (WMD -0.86 ng/ml, 95% CI -1.68 to -0.04, p = 0.040) as compared with control.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population postmenopausal women
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Bone Remodeling
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Osteocalcin
  • Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

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