Om39.0

Omega-3 Research

55 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 9/10

Comparative efficacy and tolerability of nutraceuticals for depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Cheng YC et al. • Psychological medicine (2025)

This extensive systematic review and NMA of nutraceuticals for treating depressive disorders indicated a number of nutraceuticals that could offer benefits, either as adjuncts or monotherapies.

Adjunctive nutraceuticals consistently showed better efficacy than antidepressants (ADT) alone in outcomes including SMD, remission, and response.
This extensive systematic review and NMA of nutraceuticals for treating depressive disorders indicated a number of nutraceuticals that could offer benefits, either as adjuncts or monotherapies.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Meta-Analysisn=17,437

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Vitamin D supplementation vs. placebo and incident type 2 diabetes in an ancillary study of the randomized Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial

Tobias DK et al. • Nature communications (2025)

This meta-analysis examined the effects of Omega-3.

Mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.5 kg/m2 (SD = 5.3), with 51% female and 17% Black race/ethnicity.
T2D incidence (cases/1000py) at median follow-up of 5.3 y was 3.98 for vitamin D and 4.37 for placebo (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.76, 1.09).
In conclusion, Vitamin D supplementation did not reduce T2D in older US adults, but a modest reduction was observed when meta-analyzed with prior trials.

Meta-Analysisn=5,205

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Omega-3 fatty acids for intermittent claudication

Mohammady M et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2024)

The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in people with intermittent claudication on quality of life, walking distance (pain-free or maximal), ankle-brachial index, and the incidence of revascularisation procedures or frequency of amputation in the lower limb.

Omega-3 compared with a control may have little to no effect on ankle-brachial index (MD -0.02, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.04; 3 studies, 168 participants; very low-certainty evidence).
The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in people with intermittent claudication on quality of life, walking distance (pain-free or maximal), ankle-brachial index, and the incidence of revascularisation procedures or frequency of amputation in the lower limb.
The evidence suggests that omega-3 results in little to no difference in adverse events.

Meta-Analysisn=1,830

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The effects of omega-3, DHA, EPA, Souvenaid® in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Calderon Martinez E et al. • Neuropsychopharmacology reports (2024)

The CDR scale showed reduced progression of cognitive decline among patients with n-3-PUFA supplemental interventions, with no differences between different n-3-PUFA supplements.

Most publications described positive cognitive outcomes from supplements (58%).
CDR scale showed reduced progression of cognitive decline (SMD = -0.4127, 95% CI: [-0.5926; -0.2327]), without subgroup differences between different dietary supplement interventions.
However, Souvenaid® showed a significant negative effect (SMD = -0.3593, 95% CI: -0.5834 to -0.1352) in ventricular volumes.

Meta-Analysisn=2,766

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High Dosage Omega-3 Fatty Acids Outperform Existing Pharmacological Options for Migraine Prophylaxis: A Network Meta-Analysis

Tseng PT et al. • Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) (2024)

Migraine is a highly prevalent neurologic disorder with prevalence rates ranging from 9% to 18% worldwide.

Migraine is a highly prevalent neurologic disorder with prevalence rates ranging from 9% to 18% worldwide.
Current pharmacologic prophylactic strategies for migraine have limited efficacy and acceptability, with relatively low response rates of 40% to 50% and limited safety profiles.
Forty RCTs were included (N = 6616; mean age = 35.0 y; 78.9% women).

Meta-Analysisn=6,616

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Efficacy and safety of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation for anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Bafkar N et al. • BMC psychiatry (2024)

The present dose-response meta-analysis suggested evidence of very low certainty that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may significantly improve anxiety symptoms, with the greatest improvements at 2 g/d.

Each 1 gram per day supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids resulted in a moderate decrease in anxiety symptoms (SMD: -0.70, 95%CI: -1.17, -0.22; GRADE = low).
The non-linear dose-response analysis indicated the greatest improvement at 2 g/d (SMD: -0.93, 95%CI: -1.85, -0.01), and that supplementation in a dose lower than 2 g/d did not affect anxiety symptoms.
Omega-3 fatty acids did not increase adverse events (odds ratio: 1.20, 95%CI: 0.89, 1.61; GRADE = moderate).

Meta-Analysisn=2,189

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The effect of Omega-3 supplementation and fish oil on preeclampsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Rajati M et al. • Clinical nutrition ESPEN (2024)

Based on the results of the present study, the consumption of omega-3 supplementation and fish oil significantly reduces the risk of developing preeclampsia.

Based on the results of the present study, the consumption of omega-3 supplementation and fish oil significantly reduces the risk of developing preeclampsia.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Meta-Analysisn=8,004

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Assessing the Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Statins vs. Statins Only on Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 40,991 Patients

Irfan A et al. • Current problems in cardiology (2024)

Our research reinforces that all patients, regardless of their cardiovascular health, may benefit from adding omega-3 fatty acids to their statin therapy.

In contrast, our analysis found no statistically significant difference in the incidence of fatal and non-fatal stroke, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular mortality.
Our research reinforces that all patients, regardless of their cardiovascular health, may benefit from adding omega-3 fatty acids to their statin therapy.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Meta-Analysisn=40,991

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Effects of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on reducing anxiety and/or depression in adults; A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Kelaiditis CF et al. • Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids (2023)

Only one study reported significant reduction in anxiety severity with 2.1 g/day EPA (85.6% of total EPA + DHA), therefore meta-analysis was not possible.

Only one study reported significant reduction in anxiety severity with 2.1 g/day EPA (85.6% of total EPA + DHA), therefore meta-analysis was not possible.
These results support the therapeutic potential of EPA in depression at proportions ≥ 60% of total EPA + DHA and doses ≥ 1 g/day and < 2 g/day.

Meta-Analysisn=1,426

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Omega-3 Fatty Acid Biomarkers and Incident Atrial Fibrillation

Qian F et al. • Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2023)

In vivo levels of omega-3 fatty acids including EPA, DPA, DHA, and EPA+DHA were not associated with increased risk of incident AF.

In multivariable analysis, EPA levels were not associated with incident AF, HR per interquintile range (ie, the difference between the 90th and 10th percentiles) was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.95-1.05).
HRs for higher levels of DPA, DHA, and EPA+DHA, were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.83-0.95), 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85-0.96), and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.87-0.99), respectively.
In vivo levels of omega-3 fatty acids including EPA, DPA, DHA, and EPA+DHA were not associated with increased risk of incident AF.

Meta-Analysisn=54,799

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

Ziaei S et al. • Nutritional neuroscience (2024)

The present systematic review and meta-analysis indicate the efficacy of omega-3 FAs in increasing the serum concentration of BDNF.

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.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Meta-Analysisn=587

DOI

Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Postoperative Inflammatory Response: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Mohsen G et al. • Nutrients (2023)

although reduced inflammatory markers were observed, preoperative administration of omega-3 FAs immunonutrients had no significant effect on the postoperative inflammatory response in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries.

There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to inflammatory markers IL-6: -0.55 [-1.22; 0.12] p = 0.10, CRP: -0.14 [-0.67; 0.40] p = 0.55, WBC: -0.58 [-3.05; 1.89] p = 0.42, or hospital stay -0.5 [-1.43; 0.41] p = 0.2.
although reduced inflammatory markers were observed, preoperative administration of omega-3 FAs immunonutrients had no significant effect on the postoperative inflammatory response in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries.
Yet, results obtained from this study are inconclusive, likely attributed to the limited number of trials and patients included.

Meta-Analysisn=950

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Effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on adipokines: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Sepidarkish M et al. • Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2022)

The evidence supports a beneficial effect of omega-3 FAs intake on serum adiponectin levels but does not appear to impact on leptin concentrations.

Omega-3 FAs intake was associated with a significant increase in plasma adiponectin levels (n = 43; 3,434 participants; SMD: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.37; p = 0.01; I2= 80.14%).
However, omega-3 FAs intake had no significant effect on leptin levels (SMD: -0.02, 95% CI: -0.20, 0.17, I2= 54.13%).
The evidence supports a beneficial effect of omega-3 FAs intake on serum adiponectin levels but does not appear to impact on leptin concentrations.

Meta-Analysisn=4,568

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Omega-3 fatty acids for depression in adults

Appleton KM et al. • Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2021)

Omega-3 fatty acids have a small-to-modest beneficial effect on depression compared to placebo.

Significant reduction in depressive symptoms
EPA-dominant formulas more effective for mood
Effects seen at doses >1g EPA/day

Systematic Reviewn=4,500

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Effect of omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil supplementation on multiple sclerosis: a systematic review

AlAmmar WA et al. • Nutritional neuroscience (2021)

These roles were attributed to their beneficial effects on inflammatory markers, glutathione reductase, reducing the relapsing rate, and achieving balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratios.Conclusion: Omega-3 and fish oils supplementations have beneficial effects on reducing the relapsing rate, inflammatory markers, and improving the quality of life for MS patients.

The inclusions were studies performed on humans both male and female, aged 18 years at minimum, diagnosed with MS according to McDonald 2010 criteria.
Otherwise, all studies were excluded.Results: A total of 5554 studies were screened and seven were thoroughly focused on as they typically met the inclusion criteria.
These studies showed the beneficial roles of fish oil supplementation and omega-3 fatty acids in improving the quality of life of MS patients.

Systematic Reviewn=5,554

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Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation after myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Popoff F et al. • BMC cardiovascular disorders (2019)

For adult patients with AMI, omega 3 fatty-acids probably yield no benefit to patient important outcomes.

Regarding adverse events, we are uncertain if Omega 3 fatty acids improve/reduce non severe adverse events (RR 1.39 95% CI 0.36 to 5.34; very low certainty).
There is probably little or no difference in the outcome suspension due to adverse events (RR 1.19 CI 95% 0.97 to 1.47; moderate certainty).
For adult patients with AMI, omega 3 fatty-acids probably yield no benefit to patient important outcomes.

Meta-Analysisn=24,414

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Systematic review and meta-analysis of omega-3-fatty acids in elderly patients with depression

Bae JH et al. • Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) (2018)

In the well-being mental health group, the Hedges g was 0.12 (95% confidence interval, -0.05 to 0.29), which indicated no significant effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on depressed mood compared w...

In the well-being mental health group, the Hedges g was 0.12 (95% confidence interval, -0.05 to 0.29), which indicated no significant effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on depressed mood compared with placebo.
In the depressive group, the pooled Hedges g was -0.94 (95% CI, -1.37 to -0.50]) for the random-effects model, which indicated a large effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on those with depressed mood compared with placebo.
Although this review shows that omega-3 fatty acids are effective in the treatment of elderly depressed patients, the benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation were significant only in the elderly patients with mild to moderate depression.

Meta-Analysisn=4,605

DOI

Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on coronary revascularization and cardiovascular events: a meta-analysis

Dinu M et al. • European journal of preventive cardiology (2024)

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduced the risk of cardiovascular events and coronary revascularization, regardless of background statin use.

Lower risk was still observed in trials where most participants (≥60%) were on statin therapy.
Compared with DHA + EPA, EPA alone showed a further significant risk reduction of revascularizations (0.76, 95% CI 0.65-0.88; P = 0.0002; P-interaction = 0.005) and all outcomes except HF.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduced the risk of cardiovascular events and coronary revascularization, regardless of background statin use.

Meta-Analysisn=144

DOI

Role of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing proteinuria: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Fei L et al. • Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition (2024)

The find-ings highlight the heterogeneity in responses to omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and emphasize the need for cautious interpretation.

The meta-analysis revealed a neutral overall effect size of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on proteinuria levels, assessed under both common and random effect models.
Despite the lack of statistically significant evidence supporting the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing proteinuria, the variability in interventions and patient populations suggests potential individual responses.
The find-ings highlight the heterogeneity in responses to omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and emphasize the need for cautious interpretation.

Meta-Analysisn=347

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Marine-Based Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Basirat A et al. • Nutrients (2025)

Marine-derived omega-3 supplementation produces substantial triglyceride reductions, especially at doses >2000 mg/day for ≥8 weeks.

In other subgroups, either there were no data available or the number of studies was limited and could not be considered as statistically significant in meta-analysis due to low power.
Marine-derived omega-3 supplementation produces substantial triglyceride reductions, especially at doses >2000 mg/day for ≥8 weeks.
HDL cholesterol and blood pressure benefits are not consistent, fasting glycemia is largely unaffected, and LDL cholesterol may increase, especially in low doses.

Meta-Analysis

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