Early-life high-dose omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation reduces risk of childhood asthma/wheezing: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
Background and objectives: Asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by wheezing, imposes a substantial global health burden on children. Given the potential of early-life omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega-3 PUFA) supplementation as an anti-inflammatory intervention to prevent childhood asthma and wheezing, this meta-analysis aims to clarify its efficacy and investigate dose-dependency.
Methods and study design: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Three reviewers independently evaluated the studies, extracted data, and assessed bias using the Jadad scale. The outcomes included the risk of asthma/wheezing: pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using fixed-effects models, along with sensitivity/subgroup analyses and dose-response meta-regression.
Results: Twelve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 4,156 participants showed no overall association between omega-3 PUFA and a reduced risk of asthma/wheezing (odds ratio [OR]: 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84-1.18). However, high-dose supplementation (≥1,200 mg/day) significantly decreased the risk (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.46-0.94). Similarly, high-dose eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA≥1,000 mg/day) also significantly reduced the risk (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.46-0.97). Dose-response analysis confirmed a linear relationship (p=0.002), indicating a 26.6% reduction in risk for…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 4,156 participants or records.
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