Gender-Specific Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Consumption on Mental Health: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Background: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been broadly studied for their role in mental health, but it remains unclear whether and how much biological sex modulates the psychological effects of omega-3 fatty acids.Gender-specific differences in omega-3 metabolism, hormonal influences on fatty acid biosynthesis, and neurobiological factors may result in differential mental health responses to omega-3 consumption between men and women.Objectives: This systematic review aimed to find evidence on gender-specific effects of omega-3 fatty acid consumption on mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, cognitive function, and stress response.Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library, was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.Randomised controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies examining omega-3 fatty acid intake or supplementation and mental health outcomes with gender-stratified analyses were included.Studies were assessed for risk of bias using validated tools.Results: Evidence suggests that women showed greater conversion capacity of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, indicating that women may derive greater antidepressant and anxiolytic benefits from omega-3 supplementation compared to men, particularly EPA-predominant formulations, while men showed…
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