Effect of fish-oil supplementation on the glycemic and lipidemic profiles of pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#female #humans #pregnancy #blood-glucose #dietary-supplements

Effect of fish-oil supplementation on the glycemic and lipidemic profiles of pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Silveira et al., 2024 | Nutr Rev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Silveira Julie M, Ribeiro Thassia S, ... Gomes Júnia M G. Effect of fish-oil supplementation on the glycemic and lipidemic profiles of pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2024-Dec-01;82(12):1756-1770. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuad158

Abstract

CONTEXT: Pregnant women have physiological metabolic changes in glycemic and lipid profiles that are essential for fetal development. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the effects of fish-oil-capsule supplementation on the glycemic and lipid profiles of pregnant women. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was conducted of the MEDLINE (by PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases and gray literature, including preprints for all relevant studies published in English, with no date restrictions. DATA EXTRACTION: The estimated pooled results were analyzed using a random-effects model and represented by mean differences (MDs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The analyses were performed with R software, version 4.2.1, using the "Meta" packages, versions 6.0-0. DATA ANALYSIS: Fifteen eligible studies were included after screening. In a pooled analysis, overall fish-oil supplementation had no effect on parameters compared with placebo. In the subgroup analysis, fish-oil supplementation may be beneficial in insulin (MD: -2.11 IU/mL; 95% CI: -3.86, -0.36) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (MD: -0.71; 95% CI: -1.14, -0.29) indices, with heterogeneity (I2 =0%) among pregnant women with diabetes mellitus. In the subgroup with doses of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) below 200 mg, there was a reduction in HOMA-IR in the intervention group (MD: -0.60; 95% CI: -1.14, -0.06). CONCLUSION: Pregnant women taking fish-oil capsules showed significant beneficial changes in the subgroups of type 2 diabetes and EPA dosages below 200 mg for insulin and HOMA-IR.

Key Findings

Pregnant women taking fish-oil capsules showed significant beneficial changes in the subgroups of type 2 diabetes and EPA dosages below 200 mg for insulin and HOMA-IR.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population pregnant women
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition diabetes

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Blood Glucose
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fish Oils
  • Insulin
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Lipids

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