One month of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation improves lipid profiles, glucose levels and blood pressure in overweight schoolchildren with metabolic syndrome

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Oct 1;29(10):1143-1150. doi: 10.1515/jpem-2015-0324.

Abstract

Background: This study sought to investigate the effects of omega (ω)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation on the lipid profiles and glucose (GLU) levels of overweight (OW) schoolchildren with metabolic syndrome (MS).

Methods: Thirty-nine OW schoolchildren with MS, including 19 girls and 20 boys, received 1-month of dietary supplementation with gel capsules containing ω-3 fatty acids. Fasting lipid profiles and GLU levels were measured before and after supplementation.

Results: Both sexes of OW schoolchildren with MS who received daily supplementation with 2.4 g of ω-3 fatty acids for 1 month displayed improved lipid profiles, reduced fasting GLU levels and reduced blood pressure (BP).

Conclusions: These findings support the addition of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to programs aiming to improve the metabolic status of OW children with MS, although additional research on the longer-term safety and efficacy of this treatment in this population is required.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose / analysis*
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lipids / blood*
  • Male
  • Metabolic Syndrome / blood
  • Metabolic Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Metabolic Syndrome / etiology
  • Overweight / complications*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Lipids