Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids as a potential treatment for reducing dysmenorrhoea pain: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #dysmenorrhea #fatty-acids-omega-3 #female #dietary-supplements

Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids as a potential treatment for reducing dysmenorrhoea pain: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Snipe et al., 2024 | Nutr Diet | Meta Analysis

Citation

Snipe Rhiannon M J, Brelis Benjamin, ... Condo Dominique. Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids as a potential treatment for reducing dysmenorrhoea pain: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Nutr Diet. 2024-Feb;81(1):94-106. doi:10.1111/1747-0080.12835

Abstract

AIM: This systematic literature review with meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on prostaglandin levels and pain severity in women with dysmenorrhoea and identify adverse side effects. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE complete, CINAHL and AMED databases (PROSPERO CRD42022340371). Included studies provided omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to a control in women with dysmenorrhoea and reported pain and/or prostaglandin levels. A random effects meta-analysis with Cohen's d effect size (95% confidence interval) was performed in SPPS for studies that reported pain outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist. RESULTS: Twelve studies (n = 881 dysmenorrhoeal women) of predominantly neutral quality (83%) were included that provided daily supplementation of 300-1800 mg omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids over 2 or 3 months. Meta-analysis (n = 8 studies) showed a large effect of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (d = -1.020, 95% confidence interval -1.53 to -0.51) at reducing dysmenorrhoea pain. No studies measured prostaglandin levels, 86% of studies measuring analgesic use showed a reduction with omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and few studies reported mild adverse side effects in individual participants. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that daily supplementation of 300-1800 mg omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids over 2-3 months are generally well tolerated and reduces pain and analgesic use in women with dysmenorrhoea. However, the neutral quality of research is limited by methodological issues and the mechanism of action remains to be determined.

Key Findings

Twelve studies (n = 881 dysmenorrhoeal women) of predominantly neutral quality (83%) were included that provided daily supplementation of 300-1800 mg omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids over 2 or 3 months. Meta-analysis (n = 8 studies) showed a large effect of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (d = -1.020, 95% confidence interval -1.53 to -0.51) at reducing dysmenorrhoea pain. No studies measured prostaglandin levels, 86% of studies measuring analgesic use showed a reduct

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 881
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Female
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Adult
  • Prostaglandins
  • Pain

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