Effects of omega-3 on metabolic markers in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diet alone or combined with omega-3 supplementation on metabolic and inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.

Methods This randomized, controlled trial included 87 Brazilian women (age ≥ 45 years and with amenorrhea ≥ 12 months). Exclusion criteria were: cardiovascular disease, insulin-dependent diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases and use of either statins or hormone therapy. Participants were randomized to diet alone (n = 43, control) or diet plus omega-3 supplementation, 900 mg/day orally (n = 44). All women were provided with an individualized dietary prescription. Clinical, anthropometrical (body mass index and waist circumference) and biochemical variables were measured. The inflammatory profile included C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor α and interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6). The intervention time was 6 months, with assessments at initiation and completion. Data were analyzed according to intention-to-treat, using the independent t-test and ANOVA.

Results There were significant reductions in body mass index and waist circumference in both groups (p < 0.05) without significant changes in body fat or muscle mass. Intervention with diet plus omega-3 was associated with significant reduction in systolic (< 12.2%) and diastolic (< 8.2%) blood pressure, serum triglyceride concentration (< 21.4%), and insulin resistance (< 13.1%) (p < 0.05), as well as a reduction in serum IL-6 concentration (< 28.5%) (p = 0.034).

Conclusion In postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome, dietary intervention plus supplementation of omega-3 resulted in a further decrease in triglycerides and blood pressure and also in an improvement in insulin resistance and inflammatory markers, important components of metabolic syndrome.

Key words::

• OMEGA-3
• MENOPAUSE
• METABOLIC SYNDROME
• INFLAMMATORY MARKERS

Conflict of interest The authors declare that there are no relevant conflicts of interest, nor commercial, nor proprietary, nor financial in the products or instruments described in this article.

Source of funding This study was supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), process number 2009/14884-2.