The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin E -Co-Supplementation on Indices of Insulin Resistance and Hormonal Parameters in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective This study was conducted to determine the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation on indices of insulin resistance and hormonal parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done on 68 women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria aged 18-40 years old. Participants were randomly assigned into 2 groups to receive either 1 000 mg omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil containing 400 mg a-Linolenic acid plus 400 IU vitamin E supplements (n = 34) or placebo (n = 34) for 12 weeks. Hormonal parameters were quantified at the beginning of the study and after 12-week intervention. Results After 12 weeks of intervention, compared to the placebo, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in insulin (-1.0 +/- 3.5 vs. + 2.7 +/- 6.6 mu IU/mL, P = 0.004), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (-0.2 +/- 0.8 vs. + 0.6 +/- 1.5, P = 0.005), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated B cell function (-4.3 +/- 14.3 vs. + 10.5 +/- 24.5, P = 0.004) and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+ 0.006 +/- 0.02 vs. -0.01 +/- 0.04, P = 0.008). Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids plus vitamin E led to significant reductions in serum total testosterone (-0.5 +/- 0.7 vs. -0.1 +/- 0.5 ng/mL, P = 0.008) and free testosterone (-1.2 +/- 2.1 vs. -0.2 +/- 1.7, P = 0.04) compared to the placebo group. We did not observe any significant effect of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation on fasting plasma glucose and other hormonal profiles. Conclusions Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation for 12 weeks in PCOS women significantly improved indices of insulin resistance, total and free testosterone.