Effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on adipokines: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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#adipokines #adiponectin #dietary-supplements #fatty-acids-omega-3 #humans

Effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on adipokines: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Sepidarkish et al., 2022 | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Sepidarkish Mahdi, Rezamand Gholamreza, ... Heshmati Javad. Effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on adipokines: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022;62(27):7561-7575. doi:10.1080/10408398.2021.1915743

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although a large body of literature reported the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) consumption on adipokines levels, but recent findings from clinical trials are not univocal. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 FAs supplements on adipokines. METHODS: We searched Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to August 2020 without any particular language limitations. Outcomes were summarized as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated from Hedge's g and random effects modeling. RESULTS: Fifty-two trials involving 4,568 participants were included. Omega-3 FAs intake was associated with a significant increase in plasma adiponectin levels (n = 43; 3,434 participants; SMD: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.37; p = 0.01; I2= 80.14%). This meta-analysis indicates that supplementing participants with omega-3 fatty acids more than 2000 mg daily and more than 10 weeks resulted in a significant and more favorable improvement in plasma adiponectin levels. However, omega-3 FAs intake had no significant effect on leptin levels (SMD: -0.02, 95% CI: -0.20, 0.17, I2= 54.13%). CONCLUSION: The evidence supports a beneficial effect of omega-3 FAs intake on serum adiponectin levels but does not appear to impact on leptin concentrations. Larger well-designed RCTs are still required to evaluate the effect of omega-3 FAs on leptin in specific diseases.

Key Findings

Fifty-two trials involving 4,568 participants were included. Omega-3 FAs intake was associated with a significant increase in plasma adiponectin levels (n = 43; 3,434 participants; SMD: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.37; p = 0.01; I2= 80.14%). This meta-analysis indicates that supplementing participants with omega-3 fatty acids more than 2000 mg daily and more than 10 weeks resulted in a significant and more favorable improvement in plasma adiponectin levels. However, omega-3 FAs intake had no significan

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 43
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adipokines
  • Adiponectin
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Humans
  • Leptin
  • 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