Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid on metabolic status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) on metabolic status including insulin metabolism and lipid metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Four mainstream databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science were searched from their inception to October 2021. The registration number of this study was CRD42021285233. The quality assessment was performed referring the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated for continuous variables by meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed based on study duration (≤ 8 weeks or > 8 weeks), the source of n-3 PUFA (marine derived or plant origins) and dosage of n-3 PUFA (≤ 1000 mg/d or > 1000 mg/d). Eventually, 11 RCTs reporting 816 patients were enrolled. Compared with control group, n-3 PUFA treatment decreased waist circumference (MD = -2.76, 95% CI: -3.82 to -1.69; p 8 weeks regardless of the source and the dosage to retard the pathogenesis of PCOS related metabolic diseases.