Role of omega-3 PUFAs in alleviating primary dysmenorrhea

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Created On: 06/11/2023

A systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to ascertain the influence of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on dysmenorrhea-affected women.

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Key take away

In women with primary dysmenorrhea, the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can mildly alleviate symptoms, especially at lower doses, but their effectiveness decreases with higher daily intake.

Background

A systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to ascertain the influence of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on dysmenorrhea-affected women.

Method

For relevant literature searches, electronic databases such as SID, Google Scholar, ProQuest, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were explored. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the influence of n-3 PUFAs on primary dysmenorrhea were incorporated.

The studies' quality was evaluated utilizing the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Tool. Meta-analysis was done utilizing the random-effects model through comprehensive meta-analysis software software version 2.

Result

The findings from the meta-analysis indicated that n-3 PUFAs decrease the severity of dysmenorrhea in women, as evidenced by a standardized mean difference of -1.075. Furthermore, the meta-regression analysis revealed significant associations between the severity of dysmenorrhea and two factors: the daily intake of n-3 PUFAs (β = 0.005) and the age of women (β = 0.256).

Conclusion

n-3 PUFAs may exert a mild impact on reducing the severity of dysmenorrhea in females. Notably, the most significant treatment efficacy was observed at lower n-3 PUFA doses, while increased daily intake was associated with decreased effectiveness.

Additionally, as women's age increased, the effectiveness of n-3 PUFAs in alleviating primary dysmenorrhea diminished. These key discoveries yield promising insights for healthcare providers and health policymakers involved in dysmenorrhea treatment.