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Snipe RMJ, Brelis B, Kappas C, Young JK, Eishold L, Chui JM, Vatvani MD, Nigro GMD, Hamilton DL, Convit L, Carr A, Condo D. Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids as a potential treatment for reducing dysmenorrhoea pain: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Nutr Diet 2024; 81:94-106. [PMID: 37545015 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM This systematic literature review with meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on prostaglandin levels and pain severity in women with dysmenorrhoea and identify adverse side effects. METHODS A literature search was conducted in Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE complete, CINAHL and AMED databases (PROSPERO CRD42022340371). Included studies provided omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to a control in women with dysmenorrhoea and reported pain and/or prostaglandin levels. A random effects meta-analysis with Cohen's d effect size (95% confidence interval) was performed in SPPS for studies that reported pain outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist. RESULTS Twelve studies (n = 881 dysmenorrhoeal women) of predominantly neutral quality (83%) were included that provided daily supplementation of 300-1800 mg omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids over 2 or 3 months. Meta-analysis (n = 8 studies) showed a large effect of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (d = -1.020, 95% confidence interval -1.53 to -0.51) at reducing dysmenorrhoea pain. No studies measured prostaglandin levels, 86% of studies measuring analgesic use showed a reduction with omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and few studies reported mild adverse side effects in individual participants. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that daily supplementation of 300-1800 mg omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids over 2-3 months are generally well tolerated and reduces pain and analgesic use in women with dysmenorrhoea. However, the neutral quality of research is limited by methodological issues and the mechanism of action remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon M J Snipe
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin Brelis
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christina Kappas
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julie K Young
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lucy Eishold
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jie M Chui
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Meher D Vatvani
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gabriella M D Nigro
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - D Lee Hamilton
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lilia Convit
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amelia Carr
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dominique Condo
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
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