Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Flow-mediated Dilatation and Carotid Intima Media Thickness: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose of Review: To investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and explore the factors influencing these effects. Recent Findings: FMD was significantly higher in the omega-3 fatty acid group compared to the control group (mean difference = 0.90%; p = 0.0003). In particular, the subgroup with CHD (both EPA + DHA < 1 g/day and ≥ 1 g/day) and the subgroup without CHD but with CHD risk factors (only EPA + DHA ≥ 1 g/day) showed significantly increased FMD after supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids. CIMT was not significantly different between the omega-3 fatty acid and control groups (standardized mean difference = -0.08; p = 0.26). Subgroup analysis of CHD patients was not conducted because of the limited number of studies. Summary: Intake of omega-3 fatty acids improved FMD in patients with CHD and patients with risk factors for CHD. Further research is needed on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on CIMT. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.