Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation for patients with osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #databases-factual #osteoarthritis #pain #fatty-acids-unsaturated

Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation for patients with osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis

Deng et al., 2023 | J Orthop Surg Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Deng Wen, Yi Zhiqian, ... Yuan Xuefeng. Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation for patients with osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res. 2023-May-24;18(1):381. doi:10.1186/s13018-023-03855-w

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) confers anti-inflammatory efficacy, which has been suggested to be effective for patients with osteoarthritis (OA). However, previous studies evaluating the influence of n-3 PUFAs supplementation in patients with OA showed inconsistent results. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the influence of n-3 PUFAs on symptom and joint function of patients with OA. METHODS: Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were obtained by searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. A random-effects model was employed to combine the results. RESULTS: Nine RCTs with 2070 patients with OA contributed to the meta-analysis. Pooled results showed that n-3 PUFAs supplementation could significantly relieve the arthritis pain as compared to placebo (standardized mean difference [SMD]: - 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.47 to - 0.11, p = 0.002, I2 = 60%). Besides, supplementation with n-3 PUFAs was also associated with improved joint function (SMD: - 0.21, 95% CI - 0.34 to - 0.07, p = 0.002, I2 = 27%). Subgroup analysis showed consistent results of studies with arthritis pain and joint function evaluated by the Western Ontario-McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index and other scales (p for subgroup difference = 0.33 and 0.34, respectively). No severe treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were observed in the included patients, and the incidence of overall AEs was similar between groups (odds ratio: 0.97, 95% CI 0.64-1.45, p = 0.86, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of n-3 PUFAs is effective to relieve pain and improve joint function in patients with OA.

Key Findings

Nine RCTs with 2070 patients with OA contributed to the meta-analysis. Pooled results showed that n-3 PUFAs supplementation could significantly relieve the arthritis pain as compared to placebo (standardized mean difference [SMD]: - 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.47 to - 0.11, p = 0.002, I2 = 60%). Besides, supplementation with n-3 PUFAs was also associated with improved joint function (SMD: - 0.21, 95% CI - 0.34 to - 0.07, p = 0.002, I2 = 27%). Subgroup analysis showed consistent result

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population osteoarthritis
Sample Size 2070
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Databases, Factual
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Pain
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • Dietary Supplements

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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