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

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#adiponectin #cholesterol #fatty-acids-omega-3 #female #humans

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

Yang et al., 2018 | Reprod Biol Endocrinol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Yang Kailin, Zeng Liuting, ... Ge Jinwen. Effectiveness of Omega-3 fatty acid for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018-Mar-27;16(1):27. doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0346-x

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of omega-3 fatty acid for patients with PCOS. METHODS: In 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. RESULT: Nine 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). CONCLUSION: Based 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.

Key Findings

Based 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.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population pcos
Sample Size 591
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adiponectin
  • Cholesterol
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Placebos
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Triglycerides

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