Background This meta-analysis evaluates the effects of omega-3 supplementation on metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress in pregnancy women by synthesizing findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), as existing evidence remains inconclusive. Methods A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until July 2024. Random-effects models were applied to estimate each outcome's standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results A total of 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The duration of omega-3 supplementation ranged from 6 to 29 weeks. Omega-3 supplementation did not have a significant effect on FBS (SMD = −0.74, 95% CI: −1.94, 0.45), and insulin (SMD = −0.76, 95% CI: −1.77, 0.24), TC (SMD = 0.11, 95% CI: −0.20, 0.42), and LDL-C (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI: −0.17, 0.81), IL-6 (SMD = 2.12, 95% CI: −0.56, 4.80), MDA (SMD = −1.67, 95% CI: −3.39, 0.05), and TAC (SMD = 2.59, 95% CI: −0.37, 5.54). However, triglyceride (SMD = −0.96, 95% CI: −1.77, −0.16) and CRP (SMD = −0.98, 95% CI: −1.86, −0.11) significantly decreased, and HDL-C cholesterol levels significantly increased (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.21, 1.22) following omega-3 supplementation. Conclusion This study suggests omega-3 supplementation may improve lipid profiles and reduce inflammatory biomarkers during pregnancy. However, the presence of heterogeneity across trials highlights the need for further well-conducted studies. Thus, findings should be interpreted with caution.
Saadh et al. (Mon,) studied this question.