This study aimed to understand if omega-3 supplementation can impact the lipid profile (like cholesterol and triglycerides) in children and adolescents, considering dyslipidemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The research involved analyzing data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found in major databases up to March 2021. The analysis used the random-effect method, with the effect size reported as the weighted mean difference (WMD) and confidence intervals (CI), and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 index.
The results, which included 14 RCTs with 15 data sets, showed a significant reduction in triglyceride (TG) levels with omega-3 supplementation, especially in children aged 13 or younger and those with hypertriglyceridemia. However, omega-3 had no significant effect on total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL levels. The analysis also suggested that longer treatment duration might affect HDL levels. The study concluded that omega-3 supplementation could significantly lower TG levels in younger children and those with high triglycerides, recommending longer-duration clinical trials for more definitive results on HDL status.
Original Publication:
Khorshidi, M., Sajjadi Hazaveh, Z., Alimohammadi-Kamalabadi, M., Jamshidi, S., Moradi Moghaddam, O., Olang, B., … & Sayyari, A. (2023). Effect of omega-3 supplementation on lipid profile in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Nutrition Journal, 22(1), 9.
