Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adults: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
Background and aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of liver disease worldwide. Previous meta-analyses investigating the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) on NAFLD have reported inconsistent findings. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and adverse events (AEs) of ω-3 PUFA in adults with NAFLD.
Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until November 30, 2024. Data were pooled, and meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was used. Subgroup analyses of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were performed based on treatment duration, dosage, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), age, sex, and funding source.
Results: Twenty RCTs with 1615 participants were included. The overall risk of bias was 5/20 low risk (25 %), 4/20 high risk (20 %) and 11/20 some concerns (55 %). ω-3 PUFA supplementation significantly improved gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) (WMD = -5.38 IU/L, 95 % CI: -9.16 to -1.61) and hepatic steatosis assessed by ultrasonography (US) (OR = 3.83, 95 % CI: 1.03 to 14.27) compared with the control group, although publication bias was observed. No significant effects were observed on AST, ALT, or hepatic fat measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) or…
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: 1,615 participants or records.
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