Effect of low-ratio n-6/n-3 PUFA on blood lipid level: a meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#cholesterol-hdl #cholesterol-ldl #fatty-acids-omega-3 #fatty-acids-omega-6 #humans

Effect of low-ratio n-6/n-3 PUFA on blood lipid level: a meta-analysis

Li et al., 2021 | Hormones (Athens) | Meta Analysis

Citation

Li Na, Jia Min, ... Xu Tongcheng. Effect of low-ratio n-6/n-3 PUFA on blood lipid level: a meta-analysis. Hormones (Athens). 2021-Dec;20(4):697-706. doi:10.1007/s42000-020-00248-0

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of low-ratio n-6/n-3 PUFA on blood lipid levels. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trials of n-6/n-3 PUFA interventions up to March 2019. The change values were calculated as weighted mean differences (WMDs) by using a random-effect model. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to explore the source of heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 30 randomized controlled trials with 1368 participants were identified. Compared with control, low-ratio n-6/n-3 PUFA significantly reduced triglyceride (TG) concentration (WMD: - 0.079 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval (CI): - 0.148 mmol/L to - 0.009 mmol/L, p = 0.026) and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration (WMD: 0.033 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.007 to 0.058 mmol/L, p = 0.012). Subgroup analysis revealed that the effects of low-ratio n-6/n-3 PUFA on blood lipid levels were better for a longer time. The effects of α-linolenic acid on total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations were more obvious among participants. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) had more significant effects on TG and HDL-C concentrations. No significant publication bias was observed for TG and HDL-C, as suggested by the results of Begg's test and Egger's test. CONCLUSION: Low-ratio n-6/n-3 PUFA significantly reduced TG concentration and increased HDL-C concentration. The beneficial effects of low-ratio n-6/n-3 PUFA on TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C concentrations were enhanced with time. However, n-3 PUFA derived from plants significantly reduced TC and LDL-C concentrations, and n-3 PUFA derived from EPA and DHA significantly reduced TG concentration and increased HDL-C concentration.

Key Findings

A total of 30 randomized controlled trials with 1368 participants were identified. Compared with control, low-ratio n-6/n-3 PUFA significantly reduced triglyceride (TG) concentration (WMD: - 0.079 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval (CI): - 0.148 mmol/L to - 0.009 mmol/L, p = 0.026) and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration (WMD: 0.033 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.007 to 0.058 mmol/L, p = 0.012). Subgroup analysis revealed that the effects of low-ratio n-6/n-3 PUFA on blood lipid

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 1368
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-6
  • Humans
  • Lipids
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Triglycerides

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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