A systematic review and meta-analysis of the omega-3 fatty acids effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

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

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the omega-3 fatty acids effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

Ziaei et al., 2024 | Nutr Neurosci | Meta Analysis

Citation

Ziaei Somayeh, Mohammadi Shooka, ... Heshmati Javad. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the omega-3 fatty acids effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Nutr Neurosci. 2024-Jul;27(7):715-725. doi:10.1080/1028415X.2023.2245996

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) have attracted the attention of researchers because of their influence on circulatory levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Our objective was to review systematically and Meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effects of omega-3 FAs supplementation on serum BDNF concentration. METHODS: Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched until April 2023. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was utilized to evaluate the quality of the studies. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the overall effect size of BDNF levels, using the Standard Mean Difference (SMD) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). The heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using chi-squared and I2 statistics. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies involving 587 subjects were included. The supplementation of PUFA was found to be associated with a significant increase in serum levels of BNDF in the group receiving the supplements, as compared to the placebo group (SMD: 0.72 pg/mL, 95% CI: 0.28, 1.15; P < 0.001) (I2 = 84.39%, P < 0.001). Sub-group analyses revealed similar findings in trials with fewer than 10 weeks, which utilized both animal (fish oil) and herbal (flaxseed) forms of omega-3 supplements with a high daily dosage of 2000mg. CONCLUSION: The present systematic review and meta-analysis indicate the efficacy of omega-3 FAs in increasing the serum concentration of BDNF. Therefore, omega-3 FAs should be prioritized as agents for increasing BDNF in interventions.

Key Findings

A total of 12 studies involving 587 subjects were included. The supplementation of PUFA was found to be associated with a significant increase in serum levels of BNDF in the group receiving the supplements, as compared to the placebo group (SMD: 0.72 pg/mL, 95% CI: 0.28, 1.15; P < 0.001) (I2 = 84.39%, P < 0.001). Sub-group analyses revealed similar findings in trials with fewer than 10 weeks, which utilized both animal (fish oil) and herbal (flaxseed) forms of omega-3 supplements with a high dai

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 587
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Humans
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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