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Omega-3 Intake Improves Clinical Pregnancy Rate in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Study

Trop-Steinberg S, Heifetz EM, Azar Y, Kafka I, Weintraub A, Gal M

The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ, 2023

34 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 fatty acids promote fertility in males and females and constitute an important factor in the normal development of the fetus.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of omega-3 supplements during ovulation induction treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-related infertility.

METHODS: A randomized, double-blind study was conducted for 60 treatment cycles in 34 women with PCOS-related oligo/anovulation referred to the fertility clinic at the Bikur Cholim/Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, who underwent ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate (50 mg). Seventeen women (mean age 33.9 ± 0.9 years) received omega-3 supplements (3 × 600 mg/day) and 17 received placebo capsules (mean age 32.7 ± 0.9 years) for a maximum of two cycles. We recorded their characteristics and data from their serial hormonal blood tests and ultrasound examinations. We also conducted both univariate and multivariate analyses. The primary endpoint was conception.

RESULTS: There were clinical pregnancies in 8/30 (26.7%) treatment cycles for women receiving omega-3 supplements versus 4/30 (13.3%) cycles with placebo. Among overweight/obese women (body mass index [BMI] 25-35), there were clinical pregnancies in 8/27 cycles (29.6%) versus 1/19 (5.3%) with placebo (P < 0.04). For overweight/obese PCOS women, omega-3, lower BMI rates, and higher values of the endometrium's thickness increased the odds of becoming pregnant. No harmful side effects from the omega-3…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 34 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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