Impact of Omega-3 supplementation on homocysteine levels in humans: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#dietary-supplements #fatty-acids-omega-3 #homocysteine #humans #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic

Impact of Omega-3 supplementation on homocysteine levels in humans: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis of randomized controlled trials

Sohouli et al., 2022 | Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis | Meta Analysis

Citation

Sohouli Mohammad Hassan, Roshan Mehdi Mehdinezhad, ... Abu-Zaid Ahmed. Impact of Omega-3 supplementation on homocysteine levels in humans: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2022-Sep;32(9):2013-2025. doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2022.05.008

Abstract

AIMS: Although some evidence suggests that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation influences enzymes involved in forming homocysteine (Hcy) and improving hyperhomocysteinemia, these findings are still contradictory in humans. The aim of this systematic and meta-analysis study was to investigate the effects of omega-3 supplementation on Hcy using existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs). DATA SYNTHESIS: Available databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase, were searched to find relevant RCTs up to June 2021. The effect size was expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). CONCLUSION: A total of 20 RCT studies with 2676 participants were included in this article. Our analyses have shown that omega-3 supplementation significantly reduced plasma Hcy levels (WMD: 1.34 μmol/L; 95% CI: 1.97 to -0.72; P < 0.001) compared to the control group. The results of subgroup analysis showed that omega-3 supplementation during the intervention <12 weeks and with a dose ≥3 gr per day causes a more significant decrease in Hcy levels than the intervention ≥12 weeks and at a dose <3 gr. In addition, omega-3 supplements appear to have more beneficial effects in individuals with high levels of normal Hcy. This meta-analysis showed that omega-3 supplementation significantly improved Hcy. However, further studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Key Findings

A total of 20 RCT studies with 2676 participants were included in this article. Our analyses have shown that omega-3 supplementation significantly reduced plasma Hcy levels (WMD: 1.34 μmol/L; 95% CI: 1.97 to -0.72; P < 0.001) compared to the control group. The results of subgroup analysis showed that omega-3 supplementation during the intervention <12 weeks and with a dose ≥3 gr per day causes a more significant decrease in Hcy levels than the intervention ≥12 weeks and at a dose <3 gr. In addit

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population high levels of normal
Sample Size 2676
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Homocysteine
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Regression Analysis

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

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