Effects of Long‐Chain n‐3 Fatty Acids Supplementation During Caloric Restriction on Body Composition in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

TL;DR

This study finds that adding long-chain omega-3 fatty acids during calorie restriction does not significantly affect body fat or muscle loss in overweight and obese adults.

Contribution

The study provides a meta-analysis of randomized trials to evaluate the impact of long-chain n-3 PUFA supplementation during caloric restriction.

Findings

LCn-3 PUFA supplementation did not reduce fat mass more than control groups.

No significant difference in fat-free mass changes between groups.

Small number of studies limits the strength of the conclusions.

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to determine whether caloric restriction‐induced reduction in body fat and fat‐free mass can be amended by supplementation with long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and EMBASE, were searched for papers published from the time the databases were created until November 1, 2023. Random‐effects model meta‐analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4.1 software. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I
2. A standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval was calculated, and pooled effects were assessed. The initial search identified 1527 articles and 11 studies met the review inclusion criteria with 637 participants included. The participants' ages ranged between 18 and 61 years with a mean body mass index ranging between 27 and 36 kg/m2. The changes in fat‐free mass (standardized mean difference = 0.12, 95% CI −0.14 to 0.37, p = 0.36; I
2:35%) and fat mass (standardized mean difference = − 0.01; 95% CI −0.25 to 0.24; p = 0.96; I
2: 46%) were not different between intervention and control groups. The current review indicates that long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation during caloric restriction neither attenuates the decline in fat‐free mass nor enhances the reduction in fat mass. Considering the small number of studies and interventions included, further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation during caloric restriction.

The present meta‐analysis indicates that LCn‐3 PUFA supplementation during caloric restriction does not enhance reductions in body mass and body fat, nor attenuate the decline in fat‐free mass.

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