Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan. Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan. Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 20401, Taiwan. College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.

Nutrients. 2020;(9)
Full text from:

Abstract

(1) Aim: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent disease worldwide. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) bear anti-inflammatory action and can ameliorate hyperlipidemia. We wish to appraise the effects of n-3 PUFAs supplement on NAFLD. (2) Methods: We searched CENTRAL, Embase, and MEDLINE on 29 March 2020 for randomized control trials (RCTs) on the effects of n-3 PUFAs supplementation in treating NAFLD. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the risk of bias of included RCTs. (3) Results: We included 22 RCTs with 1366 participants. The risk of bias of included RCTs was generally low or unclear. n-3 PUFAs supplementation significantly reduced liver fat compared with placebo (pooled risk ratio 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09 to 2.13). n-3 PUFAs supplementation also significantly improved the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and body-mass index, with pooled mean difference and 95% CI being -28.57 (-40.81 to -16.33), -7.82 (-14.86 to -0.79), 3.55 (1.38 to 5.73), and -0.46 (-0.84 to -0.08), respectively. (4) Conclusions: The current evidence supports the effects of n-3 PUFAs supplementation in improving fatty liver. n-3 PUFAs supplementation may also improve blood lipid levels and obesity.

Methodological quality

Publication Type : Meta-Analysis

Metadata