Can omega-3 fatty acids be beneficial in pediatric NAFLD? A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#child #humans #fatty-acids-omega-3 #insulin-resistance #non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease

Can omega-3 fatty acids be beneficial in pediatric NAFLD? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Dionysopoulos et al., 2023 | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Dionysopoulos Georgios, Kalopitas Georgios, ... Chourdakis Michail. Can omega-3 fatty acids be beneficial in pediatric NAFLD? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2023;63(27):8545-8553. doi:10.1080/10408398.2022.2062589

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease in children and no medications or supplements are currently recommended. The role of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids has been investigated in clinical trials with promising results. The aim of this study is to provide a detailed summary of the evidence about the efficacy of n-3 in the treatment of pediatric NAFLD. A systematic literature search was performed through major electronic databases up to September 20, 2021 for randomized placebo-controlled trials, investigating the efficacy of n-3 fatty acids in children with NAFLD. The primary outcomes were changes in serum transaminases concentration, Body Mass Index (BMI) and improvement of ultrasonographic liver steatosis. The secondary outcomes were changes in the patients' serum lipid profile, γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), fasting blood glucose (FBG), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (ΗΟΜΑ-ΙR) and waist circumference (WC). Results were expressed as mean differences for continuous outcomes and odds ratios for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals. Six RCTs (n = 378 patients) were included. Treatment with n-3, compared to placebo, resulted in a statistically significant reduction in transaminases concentration. In addition, a significant improvement in liver steatosis assessed by ultrasonography and a decrease in BMI were observed. N-3 fatty acids supplementation seems to be an effective alternative treatment in pediatric NAFLD by improving liver biochemistry, ultrasonographic steatosis and BMI. Further research is required concerning the effect of n-3 fatty acids in liver histology.

Key Findings

Further research is required concerning the effect of n-3 fatty acids in liver histology.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 378
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
  • Transaminases

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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