Abstract
Objective
Inverse association was reported between omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) supplementation
and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Identifying the effect of omega-3 FAs on endothelial
function may contribute to explain the association. We conducted a meta-analysis to
assess the effect of omega-3 FAs supplementation on endothelial function, as measured
by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and endothelium-independent vasodilation (EIV).
Methods
Randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from the databases of
PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library by two investigators and the pooled effects were
measured by weighted mean difference (WMD), together with 95% confidence intervals
(CIs). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to explore the source of between-study
heterogeneity.
Results
Totally 16 eligible studies involving 901 participants were finally included in meta-analysis.
Compared with placebo, omega-3 FAs supplementation significantly increased FMD by
2.30% (95% CI: 0.89–3.72%, P = 0.001), at a dose ranging from 0.45 to 4.5 g/d over a median of 56 days. Subgroup analyses suggested that the effect of omega-3 FAs on FMD might be modified
by the health status of the participants or the dose of supplementation. Sensitivity
analyses indicated that the protective effect of omega-3 on endothelial function was
robust. No significant change in EIV was observed after omega-3 FAs supplementation
(WMD: 0.57%; 95% CI: −0.88 to 2.01%; P = 0.442).
Conclusion
Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids significantly improves the endothelial function
without affecting endothelium-independent dilation.
Highlights
- We examine the effect of omega-3 FAs on endothelial function by a meta-analysis.
- Flow-mediated dilation was significantly improved by omega-3 FAs supplementation.
- No significant effect on endothelium-independent vasodilation was observed.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 10, 2012
Accepted:
January 2,
2012
Received in revised form:
November 29,
2011
Received:
August 25,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
