Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on premenstrual syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction To date, no definitive results have been reported on the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on PMS. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the databases were searched. In this regard, randomized clinical trials investigating the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on PMS were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analysis was done based on random effects model and calculation of standardized mean difference (SMDs). Results The results of meta-analysis showed that omega-3 fatty acids were efficient in reducing the severity of PMS in women (SMD = -0.968, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.471 to -0.464). In addition, the results showed that the studies were heterogeneous (I-2 = 89.11%, p <0.001). Based on meta-regression analysis, aging (beta = -0.150, 95% CI -0.202 to -0.098, p <0.001) and increasing the duration of intervention (beta = -0.579, 95% CI -0.781 to -0.378, p <0.001) had a significant effect on the severity of PMS. We also found that omega-3 fatty acids could significantly reduce the somatic (SMD = -0.800, 95% CI: -1.126 to -0.474) and psychological (SMD = -0.373, 95% CI: -0.686 to -0.061) symptoms of PMS. Conclusion Omega-3 fatty acids could reduce the severity of PMS. However, we should caution in the conclusion in affirming the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs on PMS, since the heterogeneity is evident in the analysis. The efficacy of the treatment was enhanced by increase of the treatment duration.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on PMS. The results showed that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the severity of PMS, particularly in terms of somatic and psychological symptoms. However, further research is needed to confirm the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs on PMS due to the heterogeneity observed in the analysis.