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Meta-Analysis
. 2020 Sep 11;12(9):2769.
doi: 10.3390/nu12092769.

Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cheng-Han Lee  1 , Yun Fu  2 , Shih-Jyun Yang  3 , Ching-Chi Chi  2   4
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cheng-Han Lee et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

(1) Aim: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent disease worldwide. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) bear anti-inflammatory action and can ameliorate hyperlipidemia. We wish to appraise the effects of n-3 PUFAs supplement on NAFLD. (2) Methods: We searched CENTRAL, Embase, and MEDLINE on 29 March 2020 for randomized control trials (RCTs) on the effects of n-3 PUFAs supplementation in treating NAFLD. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the risk of bias of included RCTs. (3) Results: We included 22 RCTs with 1366 participants. The risk of bias of included RCTs was generally low or unclear. n-3 PUFAs supplementation significantly reduced liver fat compared with placebo (pooled risk ratio 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09 to 2.13). n-3 PUFAs supplementation also significantly improved the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and body-mass index, with pooled mean difference and 95% CI being -28.57 (-40.81 to -16.33), -7.82 (-14.86 to -0.79), 3.55 (1.38 to 5.73), and -0.46 (-0.84 to -0.08), respectively. (4) Conclusions: The current evidence supports the effects of n-3 PUFAs supplementation in improving fatty liver. n-3 PUFAs supplementation may also improve blood lipid levels and obesity.

Keywords: fatty liver; omega-3 fatty liver; polyunsaturated fatty acid; steatohepatitis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA Study Flow Chart.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Risk of bias assessment of included trials. Green dots represent low risk of bias, with yellow and red for unclear and high risk of bias, respectively.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on liver fat and histology. (A) Effect on liver fat by sonography and histology. (B) Effect by proton-density fat fraction. (C) Effect on NAFLD score (NAS). (D) Effect on steatosis. (E) Effect on steatosis.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on liver fat and histology. (A) Effect on liver fat by sonography and histology. (B) Effect by proton-density fat fraction. (C) Effect on NAFLD score (NAS). (D) Effect on steatosis. (E) Effect on steatosis.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on hepatic enzyme parameters. (A) Effect on aspartate aminotransferase. (B) Effect on alanine transaminase. (C) Effect on gamma glutamyl transpeptidase.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Effects of omega-3 fatty acid on serum lipid profiles. (A) Effect on total cholesterol. (B) Effect on triglyceride. (C) Effect on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. (D) Effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Effects of omega-3 fatty acid on serum lipid profiles. (A) Effect on total cholesterol. (B) Effect on triglyceride. (C) Effect on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. (D) Effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Effect of omega-3 fatty acid on fasting blood sugar and HOMA-IR. (A) Effect on homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance. (B) Effect on fasting blood sugar.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Effect of omega-3 fatty acid on body mass index.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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