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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology
Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Review

Effectiveness of Omega-3 fatty acid for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Kailin Yang, Liuting Zeng, Tingting Bao, Jinwen Ge

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Objective

To assess the effectiveness and safety of omega-3 fatty acid for patients with PCOS.

Methods

In this meta-analysis, data from randomized controlled trials were obtained to assess the effects of omega-3 fatty acid versus placebo or western medicine in women with PCOS. The study’s registration number is CRD42017065859. The primary outcomes included the change of homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) of insulin resistance, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and adiponectin.

Result

Nine trials involving 591 patients were included. Comparing with the control group, omega-3 fatty acid may improve HOMA index (WMD -0.80; 95% CI -0.89, − 0.71; P<0. 00001), decrease TC and TG level [TC: (WMD -9.43; 95% CI -11.90, − 6.95; P<0. 00001); TG: (WMD -29.21; 95% CI -48.08, − 10.34; P = 0. 002)], and increase adiponectin level (WMD 1.34; 95% CI 0.51, 2.17; P = 0. 002).

Conclusion

Based on current evidence, omega-3 fatty acid may be recommended for the treatment of PCOS with insulin resistance as well as high TC (especially LDL-C) and TG.
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Metadata
Title
Effectiveness of Omega-3 fatty acid for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors
Kailin Yang
Liuting Zeng
Tingting Bao
Jinwen Ge
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-018-0346-x

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