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All 2581 studies in the study browser
Included: human randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses on omega-3 fatty acids indexed in PubMed. A PubMed search on October 15, 2026 returned 5083 records. 2581 remain after excluding protocols, retractions, comments, papers that did not study omega-3 fatty acids as the intervention or exposure and trials that measured no effect covered in the article. Below are the 150 highest-scored of 599 reviews and the 25 highest-scored individual studies. The study browser has the rest.
Scores run from 1 to 5 and rate study design only. The rules and reason codes are on Study Scores. Each finding restates the abstract's own conclusion.
Back to Omega-3 fatty acids
| Score | Study | Design, n | Finding |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 (MA +large) | Xie, 2026 | Meta-analysis, 21 studies | The current evidence does not support benefits of prenatal DHA supplementation for neurodevelopmental outcomes or for growth outcomes other than birth weight in the general population. Future research should focus on identifying... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Naghsh, 2026 | Meta-analysis, 21 studies | Omega-3 supplementation may offer a small adjunctive benefit, specifically for CAL gain. These results should be interpreted with caution given very high heterogeneity and moderate/low certainty evidence. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Shayan, 2026 | Meta-analysis, 25 studies | Future large-scale RCTs should prioritize biomarker-verified compliance, metabolic/concomitant therapy stratification, and formulation-specific comparisons to define targeted therapeutic roles. Trial Registration: This study has... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Yaghoobi, 2026 | Meta-analysis, 43 studies | Future studies should address dose-response and duration requirements and incorporate objective assessments of omega-3 status (e.g., the Omega-3 Index [O3I] or comparable biomarkers) alongside standardized compliance measures.... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Faheem, 2026 | Meta-analysis, 2025 studies | High-dose EPA-dominant therapy was associated with fewer unstable angina hospitalizations, and formulation appeared to modify clinical benefit. Among blinded, placebo-controlled, cardiovascular outcomes trials, 4 g/day icosapent... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Raine, 2026 | Meta-analysis, 25 studies, n=2,889 | Given that omega-3 supplementation is relatively cheap, easy to implement, transfers well from the research environment to community settings, and has additional health benefits, it is suggested that it may be considered as an... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Wang, 2026 | Meta-analysis, 35 studies, n=1,211 | Network consistency assessment revealed no significant disagreement between direct and indirect evidence across all outcomes. These findings reveal an outcome-specific efficacy pattern supporting targeted supplementation... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Li, 2026 | Meta-analysis, 41 studies | Mechanistically, nuclear factor-kappa B activation and the ensuing synthesis of specialized pro-resolving mediators (resolvins, protectins, and maresins), as well as an increase in cellular antioxidant capacity, appear to be... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Khabir, 2026 | Meta-analysis, 96 studies | Linear regression showed a strong association between the EPA:DHA dosing ratio and the EPA:DHA blood ratio and identified the EPA:DHA blood ratio as the strongest predictor of AA reduction. These findings indicate distinct ratio-... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Simental-Mendía, 2026 | Meta-analysis, 16 studies | Omega-3 supplementation significantly reduces circulating levels of Lp-PLA2 mass without affecting its activity. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Wu, 2026 | Meta-analysis, 29 studies, n=2,551 | In critically ill patients, ω-3 fatty acids may improve fatty acid concentrations, modulate immune regulation, enhance pulmonary function, and be associated with improved clinical outcomes. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Chen, 2026 | Meta-analysis, 24 studies, n=2,043 | The meta-analysis indicates that n-3 PUFAs improve cardiovascular-related metabolic markers, potentially benefit cardiovascular health in patients with cardiovascular disease, PCOS, and kidney disease, especially in older women... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Liu, 2026 | Meta-analysis, 2024 studies, n=3,152 | Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation may be effective in modulating hyper-inflammatory responses, reducing the risk of complications and disease severity, and improving clinical outcomes. Omega-3 fatty acids may serve as a... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Lin, 2025 | Meta-analysis, 16 studies, n=1,435 | Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation generally has no significant benefits for treating schizophrenia and ultra-high risk group. However, subgroup findings highlight the need for future trials focusing on early-stage patients,... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Basirat, 2025 | Meta-analysis, 2024 studies | Marine-derived omega-3 supplementation produces substantial triglyceride reductions, especially at doses >2000 mg/day for ≥8 weeks. HDL cholesterol and blood pressure benefits are not consistent, fasting glycemia is largely... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Chen, 2025 | Meta-analysis, n=139,879 | Omega-3 fatty acid intake is associated with dose-dependent protection against diabetic retinopathy, with the greatest benefits from whole food sources, optimal omega-6/omega-3 ratios, and in well-controlled T2D patients. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Shahinfar, 2025 | Meta-analysis, 58 studies | The existing evidence suggests that omega-3 supplementation may lead to a modest improvement in cognitive function among adults. However, well-designed randomized trials with long-term follow-up are necessary to confirm and... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Sheppard, 2025 | Meta-analysis, 553 studies, n=860 | EPA but not EPA/DHA is associated with reductions in coronary plaque burden when given as adjunct to statins in patients with coronary artery disease. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Kong, 2025 | Meta-analysis, 36 studies | 1. Omega-3 PUFAs might be effective in treating depression; 2) For Asian patients with mild to moderate depression and no other baseline medication, over 8 weeks of omega-3 PUFAs 1000-1500 mg/day with ratio of EPA/docosahexaenoic... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Khalafi, 2025 | Meta-analysis, 2023 studies, n=673 | This systematic review and meta-analyses suggestes that adding omega-3 supplementation to exercise training may augment some effects of exercise training on body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults, although such... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Tseng, 2025 | Meta-analysis, 14 studies, n=9,075 | Further well-designed RCTs with long treatment durations (i.e., >1 y) and stringent heart failure inclusion criteria are necessary to confirm these findings and reduce potential biases. This trial was registered at PROSPERO as... |
| 5 (MA +large) | O'Keefe, 2025 | Meta-analysis, 8 studies, n=54,799 | Higher consumption of dietary omega-3 is associated with decreased AF risk. In contrast, pharmaceutical dosing of omega-3 increases AF in a dose-dependent manner, which may be mediated by vagal tone. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Liu, 2025 | Meta-analysis, 47 studies, n=33 | Furthermore, direct supplementation in term infants can improve intelligence in later childhood. However, insufficient evidence supports the claim that supplementation improves cognitive abilities. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Therdyothin, 2025 | Meta-analysis, 2022 studies | N-3 PUFA ingestion augments the stimulation of whole-body protein synthesis rates in healthy adults and clinical populations. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Dong, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 12 studies, n=99,830 | PUFA prescription medication could lower the risks of cardiovascular events, cardiac death, myocardial infarction and revascularization. This research provides insight into the efficacy of PUFA prescription medications in CVD... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Rajati, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 2095 studies, n=8,004 | Based on the results of the present study, the consumption of omega-3 supplementation and fish oil significantly reduces the risk of developing preeclampsia. Therefore, it seems that omega-3 supplementation and fish oil can be... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Muzammil, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 23 studies, n=1,523 | We found that ω-3 fatty acid intake can significantly decrease TNF-α and increase TAC levels, but this effect was not observed on other markers. Nevertheless, future well-designed with large sample size and long duration RCT... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Tseng, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 2024 studies, n=1,718 | This study provides compelling evidence that high-dose fish oil supplements provide beneficial effects for both sepsis management and sepsis prevention. Our findings provide a preliminary rationale for future large-scale RCTs to... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Lam, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 3168 studies, n=561 | Conclusions: Taken together, this network meta-analysis presents compelling evidence supporting the antidepressant effects of omega-3 in pediatric groups with depression. Future research should aim to investigate omega-3 as... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Bafkar, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 2022 studies, n=2,189 | The present dose-response meta-analysis suggested evidence of very low certainty that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may significantly improve anxiety symptoms, with the greatest improvements at 2 g/d. More trials with... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Suh, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 24 studies | Supplementation of n-3 PUFA may confer potential benefits to executive function among the middle-aged and elderly demographic, particularly in individuals whose dietary DHA + EPA level is not substantially diminished. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Chen, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 21 studies, n=1,983 | Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids helped in preventing transitions to psychosis compared with controls. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Safaei, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 16 studies | Our findings showed the effects of fish oil supplements on reducing TG and increasing HDL-c compared to corn oil. Further larger and well-designed RCTs are required to confirm these data. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Luo, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 21 studies, n=40 | Increasing the omega-3 intake by 1 g per d resulted in a 3.5% decrease in the risk of death. These findings support the recommendation of supplements with omega-3 fatty acids for the secondary prevention of ASCVD. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Irfan, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 14 studies, n=40,991 | Our research reinforces that all patients, regardless of their cardiovascular health, may benefit from adding omega-3 fatty acids to their statin therapy. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Amiri Khosroshahi, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 2022 studies, n=2,068 | Moreover, each 0.5 g/kg/day omega-3 fatty acids (parenteral) significantly reduced TNF-α (SMD: -1.11 pg/ml; 95% CI: -2.02, -0.19; p = 0.017; GRADE = low). With moderate and very low evidence certainty, each 1 g/day of omega-3... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Lu, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 101 studies | Sixteen ES showed significant improving effect of n-3 supplementation on depression symptoms among which eleven ES had small ES. The other studies observed no significant effect. Available evidence suggests that n-3 PUFA (EPA,... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Norouziasl, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 2022 studies, n=100 | The analysis showed that n-3 fatty acid supplementation significantly increased depression remission by 19 more per 100 in patients with depression (low-certainty evidence). Supplementation with n-3 fatty acids did not reduce the... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Moore, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 986 studies, n=362 | Plant-based n-3 fatty acid supplementation improves ALT enzyme biomarkers, triglycerides, body mass index, waist circumference, and weight loss when combined with lifestyle interventions to increase physical activity and a... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Wang, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 48 studies, n=8,489 | Meta-regression analysis showed a linear relationship between the duration of omega-3 PUFAs and changes in TG (p = 0.023), IL-6 (p = 0.008), TNF-α (p = 0.005), and CRP (p = 0.025). Supplementation of omega-3 PUFAs had a favorable... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Yan, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 15 studies | Moderate evidence showed that the use of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death. Compared to other types of omega-3 fatty acids supplements, we... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Gkiouras, 2024 | Meta-analysis, 23 studies | N-3 ONS in RA might have a limited clinical benefit. Previous findings suggesting a reduction in NSAID intake may have been biased from the inadequate blinding of interventions. |
| 5 (MA +large) | He, 2023 | Meta-analysis, 15 studies | The overall effect demonstrated that n-3 PUFA supplementation exerted no improvement on global cognitive function. However, a higher baseline O3i and higher O3i increment were associated with an improvement in cognitive function... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Yue, 2023 | Meta-analysis, 42 studies, n=273 | Omega-3 fatty acid administration may be associated with reduced mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Given the small sample size of enrolled studies, more rigorous and large-scale trials are urgently needed in the... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Mohsen, 2023 | Meta-analysis, 296 studies, n=950 | Although reduced inflammatory markers were observed, preoperative administration of omega-3 FAs immunonutrients had no significant effect on the postoperative inflammatory response in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. Yet,... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Chang, 2023 | Meta-analysis, 90 studies | The subjects taking ω-3 PUFAs were at higher odds of experiencing adverse effects; hence, comprehensive assessments of the adverse effects may help to detect minor/subtle adverse effects associated with ω-3 PUFAs. This study was... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Tseng, 2023 | Meta-analysis, 16 studies | TRIAL REGISTRATION: The current study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan (TSGHIRB No. B-109-29) and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022347161). |
| 5 (MA +large) | Gao, 2023 | Meta-analysis, 19 studies | The present study demonstrated that n-3 PUFA supplementation might not have a significant effect on bone mineral density or bone metabolism markers, but have some potential benefits for younger postmenopausal subjects in the... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Miroult, 2023 | Meta-analysis, 117 studies | After scaling and root planning, PPD reduction and CAL reduction were observed in both control and test groups, but with statistically significant better values for the omega-3 fatty acids group. Patients suffering from... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Wang, 2023 | Meta-analysis, 90 studies, n=72 | Conclusions This dose-response meta-analysis demonstrates that combined intake of omega-3 fatty acids near linearly lowers triglyceride and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Triglyceride-lowering effects might provide... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Tseng, 2023 | Meta-analysis, 52 studies, n=21,111 | The results showed that long-term high-dose (1500-2000 mg/day) of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-dominant omega-3 PUFAs augmented with anti-oxidants had the highest potential for cognitive improvement among all investigated... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Huang, 2023 | Meta-analysis, 8 studies, n=57,754 | This meta-analysis suggests that ω-3 fatty acid supplementation is an effective strategy to prevent CVD in patients with diabetes, but further well-designed, large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to evaluate the... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Bae, 2023 | Meta-analysis, 17 studies, n=500 | Thus, well-designed studies are needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in the distinct effects of EPA compared with DHA on cardiometabolic diseases. This review discusses the potential benefits and safety of LC... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Musazadeh, 2023 | Meta-analysis, 8 studies, n=6,561 | Advantageous impacts PUFA supplementation were observed on ALT (ESWMD = -6.72 IU/L; 95% CI: -8.61, -4.84; p < 0.001, and ESSMD = -0.52 IU/L; 95% CI: -0.84, -0.20, p < 0.001), AST (ESWMD = -3.73 IU/L, 95% CI: -5.93, -1.53,... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Bagheri, 2023 | Meta-analysis, 50 studies, n=3,196 | Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation resulted in a favorable change in serum albumin and pre-albumin concentrations in hospitalized patients. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Abdelrahman, 2023 | Meta-analysis, 9 studies, n=21,919 | Supplementation with omega-3 in prgnancy can prevent preeclampsia, increase gestational duration, increase birth weight and decrease the risk of low birth weight and preterm birth. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Wang, 2023 | Meta-analysis, 22 studies, n=1,155 | However, plasma albumin levels (WMD = 0.02 mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.13, 0.18, P = 0.75) was remained unaffected. Overall, our meta-analysis provides evidences that the consumption of ω-3 PUFA-enriched oral nutritional supplements exert... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Yang, 2022 | Meta-analysis, 39 studies, n=88,359 | There was no evidence of omega-3 PUFAs' efficacy in primary prevention. The mechanisms of omega-3 PUFAs' cardiovascular protection might link to the effects of anti-inflammation and stabilization of endothelial function from... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Xu, 2022 | Meta-analysis, 18 studies | Conclusion: this systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that treatment with low-dose n-3 PUFAs can reduce cerebrovascular disease-related death. After the oral administration of n-3 PUFAs, the levels of TC and TG decreased... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Yokoyama, 2022 | Meta-analysis, 17 studies, n=141,009 | Our analyses demonstrate that although EPA supplementation lowers risk of coronary revascularization more than other oils, there may not be a benefit relative to standard of care. Further, EPA reduces the risk of cardiovascular... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Yu, 2022 | Meta-analysis, 8 studies, n=136,965 | Major cardiovascular events and cardiac death risks could be avoided with the use of omega-3 fatty acid. However, it has no significant effects on the risk of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Sohouli, 2022 | Meta-analysis, 20 studies, n=2,676 | A total of 20 RCT studies with 2676 participants were included in this article. Our analyses have shown that omega-3 supplementation significantly reduced plasma Hcy levels (WMD: 1.34 μmol/L; 95% CI: 1.97 to -0.72; P < 0.001)... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Alvarez Campano, 2022 | Meta-analysis, 30 studies, n=3,339 | Studies assessing functional outcome might consider starting the intervention as early as possible after the event, as well as using standardised, clinically relevant measures for functional outcomes, such as the modified Rankin... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Xiao, 2022 | Meta-analysis, 46 studies, n=4,991 | The results of this systematic review suggest that n-3 PUFAs can improve cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Van Ravensteijn, 2022 | Meta-analysis, 2021 studies | In patients with periodontitis, dietary supplementation with ω-3 fatty acids as an adjunct to SRP is more effective in reducing the PPD and improving the CAL than SRP alone. If SRP is indicated, the use of ω-3 fatty acids can be... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Markozannes, 2022 | Meta-analysis, n=97,709 | Compared to the robust evidence for low doses, higher doses and particularly for the unique type of omega-3 icosapent ethyl ester should be further addressed. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Firouzabadi, 2022 | Meta-analysis, 28 studies, n=273,523 | There were also favorable effects on preterm delivery, pre-natal and post-partum depression, glycemic control and inflammation markers in pregnant women, and sensitization to peanuts, positive skin prick tests, anthropometric... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Lv, 2022 | Meta-analysis, 13 studies, n=1,785,000 | Our study showed an inverse association between dietary PUFA and risk of lung cancer in males and among the U.S. population. Although smoking cessation is the single biggest factor associated with lung cancer risk reduction, this... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Pan, 2022 | Meta-analysis, 2020 studies, n=916 | Omega-3 PUFAs can reduce systemic inflammation, as indicated by CRP levels in cancer patients. The use of omega-3 PUFAs is recommended for cancer patients due to their anti-inflammatory properties. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Sun, 2022 | Meta-analysis, 26 studies, n=20,124 | Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was not associated with reduced risk of preterm delivery compared with placebo or no treatment during pregnancy. Relationship between Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and other pregnant... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Bird, 2021 | Meta-analysis, 66 studies | The results indicate that there is a positive effect of omega-3 LC PUFA supplementation on overall body muscle mass and strength. Small study size and heterogeneity limit the applicability of these findings for sarcopenia prevention. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Jiang, 2021 | Meta-analysis, 21 studies | A high intake of dietary omega-3 PUFA or fish was associated with a reduced risk of developing of AMD, which further supports that consumption of omega-3 PUFA-rich foods may be a new avenue nutritional approach to preventing AMD. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Wu, 2021 | Meta-analysis, 19 studies | The above results show that fish oil plays an important role in reducing CHD and cardiovascular events. However, because of the suboptimal quality of the studies included into the meta-analysis, these results do not justify... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Yuan, 2021 | Meta-analysis, 314 studies, n=610 | This meta-analysis showed that supplementation of n-3 PUFAs in PCOS women can significantly improve CRP, MDA, LH, TT, TAC, and SHBG, but did not affect the concentrations of GSH, DHEAS, FAI, or FSH. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Xia, 2021 | Meta-analysis, 314 studies, n=778 | The current meta-analysis demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for women with PCOS resulted in a statistical improvement in insulin, HOMA-IR, TC, triglyceride, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and HDL-C, but did not affect serum... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Serra, 2021 | Meta-analysis, 28 studies | However, after sensitivity analyses, there were no significant differences in PTB and ePTB risk (PTB RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.01, ePTB RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.09). We conclude that omega 3 supplementation during pregnancy... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Wolters, 2021 | Meta-analysis, 5 studies, n=7,682 | Sensitivity analysis including studies with low risk of bias seems to confirm the overall result. Supplementation of n-3 PUFA appears to have a modest beneficial effect on depressive symptomology, although the quality of evidence... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Choi, 2021 | Meta-analysis, 298 studies, n=1,000 | Our umbrella review study shows that omega-3 fatty acids supplementation have a clinical benefit in reducing mortality from cardiovascular causes. However, many studies still have shown conflicting results, and therefore, further... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Hou, 2021 | Meta-analysis, 2020 studies, n=1,132 | Fish oil intervention has a beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity in children. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Dai, 2021 | Meta-analysis, 20 studies | Omega-3 LC-PUFA may improve certain aspects of sleep health throughout childhood. Additional robust studies are warranted to confirm the relationship between omega-3 LC-PUFA and sleep. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Li, 2021 | Meta-analysis, 30 studies, n=1,368 | Low-ratio n-6/n-3 PUFA significantly reduced TG concentration and increased HDL-C concentration. The beneficial effects of low-ratio n-6/n-3 PUFA on TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C concentrations were enhanced with time. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Ajabnoor, 2021 | Meta-analysis, 83 studies, n=41,751 | This is the most comprehensive meta-analysis of RCTs investigating long-term effects of omega-3, omega-6 and total PUFA on IBD and inflammatory markers. Our findings suggest that supplementation with PUFAs has little or no effect... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Bernasconi, 2021 | Meta-analysis, 40 studies, n=135,267 | Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Supplementation with EPA and DHA is an effective lifestyle strategy for CVD prevention, and the protective effect probably increases with dosage. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Tosatti, 2021 | Meta-analysis, 323 studies | No statistically significant results were found in the meta-analysis for visfatin, nitric oxide, GSH or malondialdehyde levels or total antioxidant capacity. The data suggest that supplementation of n-3 fatty acids could reduce... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Deane, 2021 | Meta-analysis, 31 studies | Long-chain omega-3 supplementation probably has little or no effect in preventing depression or anxiety symptoms. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Kim, 2020 | Meta-analysis, 55 studies | To summarize, statin use might be associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality than omega-3 supplementation. Future direct comparisons between statin use and omega-3 supplementation are required to confirm the findings. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Lee, 2020 | Meta-analysis, 22 studies, n=1,366 | 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... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Mocking, 2020 | Meta-analysis, 18 studies, n=4,052 | Omega-3 PUFAs have an overall significant small beneficial effect on perinatal depression, with important subgroup differences. We advise against prescribing omega-3 PUFAs for the treatment or prevention of depressive symptoms... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Hoang, 2020 | Meta-analysis, 63 studies | Risks of total cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke in the atorvastatin group were statistically lower than those in the omega-3 group, with RRs (95% CIs) of 0.80 (0.73-0.88), 0.64... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Lombardi, 2020 | Meta-analysis, n=125,763 | HD treatment was associated with increased risk for bleeding events (1.49 [1.2-1.84], p = 0.0002 versus control and 1.63 [1.16-2.3], p = 0.005 versus LD) and increased atrial fibrillation events compared to control (1.35... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Casula, 2020 | Meta-analysis, 16 studies, n=81,073 | Conversely, the efficacy of EPA administered alone seemed to be greater in terms of risk reduction of MACE (-25 %) or MI (-30 %) than the combined EPA + DHA supplementation. The pharmacological approach with n-3 PUFA... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Luo, 2020 | Meta-analysis, 910 studies | High-dose n-3 PUFAs supplementation might be more superior than low-dose in the early therapy period for MDD. More head-to-head clinical trials need to be carried out to provide more direct comparison and enhance the evidence of... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Brainard, 2020 | Meta-analysis, 38 studies, n=49,757 | This extensive trial data set enabled assessment of effects on neurocognitive illness and cognitive decline not previously adequately assessed. Long-chain omega-3 probably has little or no effect on new neurocognitive outcomes or... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Hanson, 2020 | Meta-analysis, 47 studies, n=108,194 | The most extensive systematic review to assess the effects of increasing PUFAs on cancer risk found increasing total PUFA may very slightly increase cancer risk, offset by small protective effects on cardiovascular diseases. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Kim, 2020 | Meta-analysis, 64 studies | The lipid-modifying effects of krill oil and fish oil do not differ. The reduction in triglycerides depends on the dose of n-3 fatty acids consumed. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Chewcharat, 2020 | Meta-analysis, 2019 studies, n=344 | Omega-3 fatty acids could help ameliorate proteinuria among type 2 DM who received omega-3 supplementation for at least 24 weeks without adverse effects on HbA1C, total serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Wolbrink, 2020 | Meta-analysis, 1186 studies, n=312 | Administration of omega-3 FA could reduce the risk of new-organ failure in patients with AP. There were no safety issues reported of the early administration of omega-3 FA in any of the included studies. To show the real clinical... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Kim, 2020 | Meta-analysis, n=18,102 | High blood n-3 PUFA levels are inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk, and high n-3 PUFA intake is suggestively associated with lower colorectal cancer risk. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Doshi, 2020 | Meta-analysis, 5 studies, n=27,415 | However, combined therapy of EPA + statin demonstrated no significant association on incidence of stroke when compared with statin alone or all-cause mortality. In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrated that EPA... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Moosavian, 2020 | Meta-analysis, 2018 studies, n=504 | Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E had no significant effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) (WMD: 1.54 mmol/L; 95% CI: -1.29, 4.36; P = 0.196), and glutathione (GSH) (WMD: 20.87 mmol/L; 95% CI: -20.04, 61.6, P = 0.31) levels.... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Natto, 2019 | Meta-analysis, 16 studies | We conclude that omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with lower inflammatory biomarkers among diabetic and cardiovascular patients. Clinicians should be aware of these potential benefits; however, it is essential to recommend... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Heshmati, 2019 | Meta-analysis, 39 studies, n=2,875 | Supplementation with omega-3 FAs significantly improves MDA, TAC levels, and GPx activity. Thus, omega-3 FAs can be mentioned as enhancer factors in antioxidant defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS). |
| 5 (MA +large) | Brown, 2019 | Meta-analysis, 83 studies, n=58 | This is the most extensive systematic review of trials to date to assess effects of polyunsaturated fats on newly diagnosed diabetes and glucose metabolism, including previously unpublished data following contact with authors.... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Liao, 2019 | Meta-analysis, 180 studies, n=2,160 | Compared with placebo, EPA-pure (=100% EPA) and EPA-major formulations (≥60% EPA) demonstrated clinical benefits with an EPA dosage ≤1 g/d (SMD = -0.50, P = 0.003, and SMD = -1.03, P = 0.03, respectively), whereas DHA-pure and... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Sepidarkish, 2019 | Meta-analysis, 3015 studies | Based on the available evidence, omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E co-supplementation can reduce VLDL, although its effect on other lipid profile parameters requires more well-designed studies. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Alvarez Campano, 2019 | Meta-analysis, 29 studies, n=3,339 | More well-designed RCTs are needed, specifically in acute stroke, to determine the efficacy and safety of the intervention.Studies assessing functionality might consider starting the intervention as early as possible after the... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Nindrea, 2019 | Meta-analysis, 913 studies, n=275,264 | Higher dietary intake ratio is associated with lower risk of breast cancer in Asian countries rather than Western countries. This study suggests increasing dietary intake ratio n-3/n-6 PUFAs will provide benefit for breast cancer... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Nindrea, 2019 | Meta-analysis, 913 studies, n=130,365 | There was not any study with significant publication bias included. Conclusion: This analysis confirmed the protective effect of omega-3 fatty acids in fish consumption against breast cancer in Asian patients. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Zhong, 2019 | Meta-analysis, 2018 studies | Omega-3 fatty acids is associated with significantly reduced FPG, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP in patients with gestational diabetes. |
| 5 (MA +large) | O'Mahoney, 2018 | Meta-analysis, 2017 studies, n=2,674 | N-3PUFAs supplementation produces favourable hypolipidemic effects, a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and improvement in glycaemia. Neither duration nor dosage appear to explain the observed heterogeneity in... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Musa-Veloso, 2018 | Meta-analysis, 18 studies | Omega-3 LC-PUFAs are useful in the dietary management of patients with NAFLD. Additional trials are needed to better understand the effects of n-3 LC-PUFAs on histological outcomes in patients with NASH. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Shulkin, 2018 | Meta-analysis, 669 studies, n=5,541 | N-3 PUFA supplementation improves childhood psychomotor and visual development, without significant effects on global IQ later in childhood, although the latter conclusion is based on fewer studies. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Chang, 2018 | Meta-analysis, 21 studies, n=24,460 | RxOME3FAs are generally safe and well tolerated but not free of adverse effects. Post-marketing surveillance and observational studies are still necessary to identify long-term adverse effects and to confirm the safety and... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Wang, 2018 | Meta-analysis, 269 studies, n=3,570 | PUFA appears to reduce the incidence of POAF. However, the said protective effect may be influenced by EPA/DHA ratio, with < 1 appearing preferable. PUFA efficacy on POAF prevention appeared insignificant when compared with... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Hidayat, 2018 | Meta-analysis, 51 studies, n=3,000 | The present meta-analysis provides strong clinical evidence demonstrating the effect of heart rate reduction by n-3 LCPUFA supplementation. When DHA or EPA administered alone, heart rate was slowed by DHA rather than by EPA. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Li, 2018 | Meta-analysis, 6 studies, n=10,970 | This meta-analysis showed that maternal omega-3 fatty acids supplementation can increase offspring's birth weight and postnatal waist circumference. However, it did not appear to influence children's birth length, postnatal... |
| 5 (MA +large) | AbuMweis, 2018 | Meta-analysis, 200 studies | The lipid-lowering, hypotensive, anti-arrhythmic and anti-inflammatory actions of EPA and DHA supplements were confirmed in this analysis of randomised placebo-control blinded clinical trials. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Maki, 2017 | Meta-analysis, n=71,899 | LC-OM3 supplementation is associated with a modest reduction in cardiac death. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Gao, 2017 | Meta-analysis, 17 studies, n=672 | Short-term fish oil supplementation is associated with increasing the insulin sensitivity among those people with metabolic disorders. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Bae, 2017 | Meta-analysis, 2014 studies | The results of the meta-analysis indicated that FO-containing IVFEs could improve infectious morbidity and LOS. The overall effect of reducing infectious morbidity and LOS was found to be the greatest in comparison with the SO-based IVFEs. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Alexander, 2017 | Meta-analysis, 18 studies | Results indicate that EPA+DHA may be associated with reducing CHD risk, with a greater benefit observed among higher-risk populations in RCTs. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Xu, 2016 | Meta-analysis, 20 studies, n=1,461 | However, O3FA had no significant effect on TC, HDL, albumin, hemoglobin, homocysteine, DBP, glucose, lipoprotein(a), and ferritin. O3FA supplementation is associated with lower several serum lipids and vascular inflammation... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Hallahan, 2016 | Meta-analysis, 35 studies, n=6,665 | Further RCTs should be conducted on study populations with diagnosed or clinically significant depression of adequate duration using EPA-predominant omega-3 HUFA formulations. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Chen, 2016 | Meta-analysis, n=10,802 | Dietary fish oil during pregnancy was associated with reduced risk of preterm delivery and improved size of the newborn. Fish oil during pregnancy may be an effective prophylactic for preterm delivery. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Jiang, 2016 | Meta-analysis, 18 studies, n=826 | Marine-derived n-3 PUFA had a beneficial effect on reducing the concentration of TXB2 in blood of subjects with high risk of CVD as well as LTB4 in neutrophils in unhealthy subjects, and that subjects with RA showed lower LTB4... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Kar, 2016 | Meta-analysis, 9 studies, n=5,980 | Omega-3 fatty acids are effective in preventing early and any preterm delivery. The intervention is simple and easily available and has the potential to influence population based strategies in the prevention of preterm birth. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Zhang, 2016 | Meta-analysis, 21 studies, n=181,580 | Fishery products are recommended as dietary sources and are associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment. Marine-derived DHA was associated with lower risk of dementia and AD but without a linear dose-response relation. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Cooper, 2016 | Meta-analysis, 1775 studies | These results exclude the possibility of moderate to large effects. They provide suggestive evidence of small effects of n-3 PUFA on reducing EL and oppositional behaviour in subgroups of children with ADHD. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Du, 2015 | Meta-analysis, 21 studies | Current evidence cannot support an exact anti-obesity role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in overweight/obese subjects. However, these subjects may benefit from reducing abdominal fat with fish oil supplementation... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Chen, 2015 | Meta-analysis, 20 studies | The ratio of EPA/DHA and early intervention with omega 3 fatty acids may affect their effects on glucose control and lipid levels, which may serve as a dietary reference for clinicians or nutritionists who manage diabetic patients. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Chen, 2015 | Meta-analysis, 11 studies, n=5,000 | Gestational supplementation with fish oil during the second or third trimester of pregnancy is not associated with reduced risks for GDM, PIH, or PE. Other possible benefits of fish oil supplementation during pregnancy warrant... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Cooper, 2015 | Meta-analysis, 24 studies | There is marginal evidence that n-3 PUFA supplementation effects cognition in those who are n-3 PUFA deficient. However, there is no evidence of an effect in the general population or those with neurodevelopmental disorders. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Chen, 2015 | Meta-analysis, 14 studies, n=8,775 | This meta-analysis finds no relation between n-3 PUFAs intake and risk of CRC. The observed subsite heterogeneity within colon cancer and the possible effect modification by latency time merit further studies. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Jiao, 2014 | Meta-analysis, 34 studies, n=12,999 | N-3 PUFA supplements may significantly improve cognitive development in infants but do not improve cognitive performance in children, adults, or the elderly. n-3 PUFA intake, especially that of DHA supplements, may benefit... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Liu, 2014 | Meta-analysis, 790 studies | Based on the data included in our meta-analysis, omega-3 fatty acid was associated with better TBUT and Schirmer's. No significant differences were detected in OSDI test results. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Stratakis, 2014 | Meta-analysis, 2014 studies, n=2,847 | There is currently no evidence to support that n-3 LCPUFA supplementation during pregnancy and/or lactation favourably affects child adiposity. Further high-quality trials are needed. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Chi, 2014 | Meta-analysis, 678 studies | Our findings indicate that omega-3 supplementation significantly reduced serum TG and LDL level in dialysis patients. However, there is no conclusive evidence that it can modulate the TC, HDL and albumin level. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Malhotra, 2014 | Meta-analysis, 15 studies, n=453 | No conclusions can be made about the effectiveness of a cholesterol-lowering diet, or any of the other dietary interventions suggested for familial hypercholesterolaemia, for the primary outcomes: evidence and incidence of... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Enns, 2014 | Meta-analysis, 2013 studies, n=12 | Our results showed that insufficient evidence exists to suggest a beneficial effect of omega-3 PUFA supplementation in adults with peripheral arterial disease with regard to cardiovascular events and other serious clinical outcomes. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Zhang, 2014 | Meta-analysis, 19 studies, n=68,954 | Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation does not have an effect on cancer incidence, nonvascular death, or total mortality. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Wen, 2014 | Meta-analysis, 14 studies, n=16,338 | Supplement of Omega-3 PUFAs in patients with CHD is not associated with a protective effect on major cardiovascular events, while it does exert beneficial effects in reducing death from cardiac causes, sudden cardiac death and... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Zheng, 2014 | Meta-analysis, 19 studies, n=24,788 | Marine-derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have no protective effect on cardiovascular mortality, major cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality and composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or hospitalization for... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Yang, 2013 | Meta-analysis, 11 studies, n=99,093 | Epidemiological data to date indicate that fish or LCn3PUFA intake may be beneficial to prevent asthma in children. Further studies are needed to establish causal inference and to elucidate the potential mechanisms. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Casula, 2013 | Meta-analysis, 360 studies, n=15,348 | Our results supply evidence that long-term effect of high dose omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be beneficial for the onset of cardiac death, sudden death and myocardial infarction among patients with a history of... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Khoueiry, 2013 | Meta-analysis, 9 studies, n=32,919 | Dietary supplementation with omega-3 PUFA does not affect the risk of SCD or ventricular arrhythmias. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Wu, 2013 | Meta-analysis, 110 studies, n=68 | In placebo-controlled RCTs, fish oil moderately increases circulating adiponectin, although with unexplained heterogeneity as well as potential publication bias. These findings provide no evidence for harm and support possible... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Gould, 2013 | Meta-analysis, 11 studies, n=5,272 | The evidence does not conclusively support or refute that omega-3 LCPUFA supplementation in pregnancy improves cognitive or visual development. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Deng, 2012 | Meta-analysis, 74 studies | It can't be confirmed whether supplementation with n-3 LC-PUFA of pregnant women can increase the infants' head circumference at birth from present data acquired. |
| 5 (MA +large) | Chowdhury, 2012 | Meta-analysis, 26 studies | Available observational data indicate moderate, inverse associations of fish consumption and long chain omega 3 fatty acids with cerebrovascular risk. Long chain omega 3 fatty acids measured as circulating biomarkers in... |
| 5 (MA +large) | Rizos, 2012 | Meta-analysis, 20 studies, n=68,680 | Omega-3 PUFA supplementation was not associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, cardiac death, sudden death, myocardial infarction, or stroke based on relative and absolute measures of association. |
| Score | Study | Design, n | Finding |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | LeBoff, 2026 | RCT, n=771 | Supplementation with marine omega-3 fatty acids did not reduce incident fracture risk. It led to a small increase in whole body aBMD but had no other effects on BMD or bone strength measures compared to placebo in generally... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Zhuang, 2026 | RCT, n=415 | In patients with T2D, 14 month marine n-3 fatty acid supplementation does not reduce carotid plaque risk but improves lipoprotein profile. The anti-atherosclerotic effect appeared significant in patients with a low genetic risk... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Berger, 2026 | RCT, n=257 | In this randomized clinical trial, adjunctive ω-3 administration, 1.5 g/d (EPA:DHA, 2:1), did not outperform placebo in youths with MDD. Future work should assess EPA-enriched formulations and biomarker-guided approaches. |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Arribas, 2025 | RCT, n=2,018 | Further research with larger sample sizes and more robust designs is warranted to better understand the potential role of EPA in this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02715596 (registered on March... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Colombo, 2025 | RCT, n=215 | However, DHA dose did not affect infant HR, nor did it affect infant performance in the gap-overlap attention task. Results are consistent with positive effects of prenatal DHA supplementation on later outcomes, with higher... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Hamaya, 2025 | RCT, n=25,871 | The transportability of the score to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data was confirmed. Although testing of the score in a new RCT is warranted, the proposed omega-3 effect score holds promise for... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Wang, 2025 | RCT, n=1,355 | In this exploratory analysis from the neutral STRENGTH trial, ω-3 CA was associated with significant reduction in the primary endpoint in Asians but not in non-Asian patients with high cardiovascular risk. Further, ideally... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Nian, 2025 | RCT, n=240 | Concurrently, fasting blood glucose (FBG) exhibited a downward trend across all groups, with significant differences compared with the baseline (P < 0.01); mannan-binding lectin serine protease 1 (MASP1), UA to high-density... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Rais, 2025 | RCT, n=800 | This secondary analysis generated hypotheses for a potential differential effect of neonatal enteral high-dose DHA supplementation on BPD in very preterm infants according to chorioamnionitis exposure. |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Duan, 2025 | RCT, n=280 | Supplementation of MCT, DHA and their combination for 12 months can significantly improve cognitive function, mitochondria function and increase serum total ketone body levels in MCI individuals. Combined intervention was more... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Aggarwal, 2025 | RCT, n=8,175 | Among statin-treated patients with elevated triglycerides and high cardiovascular risk, icosapent ethyl reduced the rate of cardiovascular end points irrespective of baseline LDL-C, including among eligible patients with optimal... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Sammons, 2024 | RCT, n=15,480 | Applying the NEI-VFQ-25 in ASCEND-Eye represents one of the largest surveys of vision-targeted health-related quality of life in people with diabetes. Further observational analyses of these data are planned, to identify the... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Alkhouri, 2024 | RCT, n=203 | The combination of DHA + vitamin E or either agent alone did not demonstrate efficacy on reducing liver fat or aminotransferases in the studied population. |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Burger, 2024 | RCT, n=5,785 | Among patients with ASCVD and elevated triglyceride levels, icosapent ethyl significantly reduces the risk of MACE irrespective of baseline CVD risk, though absolute benefits are largest for patients at the highest risk. |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | So, 2024 | RCT, n=997 | EPA and DHA supplementation elicited both similar and differential effects on monocyte transcriptome, some of which were sex specific. The observed variability in response to EPA and DHA in men and women could in part explain the... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Qurashi, 2024 | RCT, n=326 | In keeping with other studies, omega-3 appears to have beneficial effects on ARMS and mood symptom severity but it increased transition to psychosis, which may reflect metabolic or developmental consequences of chronic poor... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Ogata, 2023 | RCT, n=25,871 | For the primary CVD outcome, participants with low fish consumption at baseline benefited (0.79 [0.65-0.96]) more than those with high consumption (1.05 [0.85-1.30]). These results are consistent with, but slightly stronger than,... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Komulainen, 2023 | RCT, n=439 | The use of fish oil and/or probiotics from early pregnancy onwards did not lower the odds of childhood allergic diseases or atopy, with the exception of the probiotic intervention which decreased the risk of recurrent wheezing... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Tikkanen, 2023 | RCT, n=911 | Thus, randomized treatment with omega-3 FA supplements resulted in changes on the ECG that are potentially reflective of heightened vagal tone and/or slowing of intraatrial and AV conduction. Vitamin D3 supplementation resulted... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Vauzour, 2023 | RCT, n=259 | These results suggest that cosupplementation with ω-3 PUFAs and cocoa flavanols for 12 mo does not improve cognitive outcomes in those with cognitive impairment. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02525198. |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Wang, 2023 | RCT, n=373 | IPE at 4 g/day dramatically lowered other atherogenic lipids without a noticeable increase in LDL-C, thereby decreasing TG levels in an exceptionally high-TG Chinese population. |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Bhargava, 2023 | RCT, n=480 | Dietary omega-3 fatty acids are effective for dry eye in VDT users; omega-3 index appears to be the predictor to identify potential dry eye patients who are likely to benefit from oral omega-3 dietary intervention. |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Fuller, 2023 | RCT, n=401 | Analysis of seAFOod trial plasma and rectal mucosal samples has not provided evidence of synthesis of the EPA-derived specialised pro-resolving mediator RvE1 or aspirin-trigged lipoxin 15‑epi-LXA4. We cannot rule out degradation... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Olshansky, 2023 | RCT, n=751 | Conclusions In REDUCE-IT, in-study AF hospitalization rates were higher in patients with prior AF especially in those randomized to IPE. Although serious bleeding trended higher in those randomized to IPE versus placebo over the... |
| 5 (RCT +blind +n200) | Saros, 2023 | RCT, n=439 | The administration of probiotics solely and in combination with fish oil during pregnancy to women with overweight or obesity lowered the overweight odds of their 24-month-old children. |