Omega-3 supplementation reduces perceived social isolation in a sex-dependent manner: secondary analysis of an RCT.
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Loneliness and chronic inflammation create a vicious cycle, and females may be especially vulnerable. In these secondary analyses of an RCT, we investigated whether omega-3 (n-3) supplementation decreased loneliness and perceived social isolation in a sex-dependent manner, and whether changes in n-3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) membranes or inflammatory biomarkers predicted changes in social perception.
METHODS
Healthy medical students (n = 38 males, n = 30 females) were randomized to 2.5 g/day of n-3 supplementation or placebo for 12 weeks. Perceived social isolation (Trier Inventory of Chronic Stressors), loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale), PBMC n-3 percentage, and serum and LPS-stimulated interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were assessed at baseline and end.
RESULTS
PBMC n-3 percentage increased in the supplementation group (p 0.14). Sex moderated supplementation's effect on perceived social isolation over time (95% CI [-7.46, -0.36], p = 0.031) but not loneliness (95% CI [-3.79, 8.65], p = 0.44). Specifically, n-3 marginally reduced perceived social isolation among females ([-3.63, 0.05], p = 0.056), but not males (95% CI [-1.19, 2.21], p = 0.55). Similarly, PBMC n-3 change had a marginal sex-dependent effect on perceived social isolation (95% CI [-0.86, 0.02], p = 0.063) but not loneliness (95% CI [-0.59, 1.24], p = 0.48).
CONCLUSION
n-3 supplementation may reduce perceived social isolation particularly among females, possibly due to sex…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a secondary / pooled analysis. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 38 participants or records.
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