Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Chronic Periodontitis Patients in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Study

Oral Health Prev Dent. 2018;16(4):327-332. doi: 10.3290/j.ohpd.a40957.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate changes in periodontal parameters and superoxide dismutase activity after root surface debridement with and without omega-3 fatty acid (omega-3 FA) supplementation in postmenopausal women.

Materials and methods: Fifty postmenopausal women with chronic periodontitis were divided randomly into two groups. Group 1 (control group, n = 25) patients were provided with periodontal treatment in the form of scaling and root planing (SRP) plus soft gelatinous capsules containing only some olive oil, while group 2 (n = 25) received SRP along with systemic administration of omega-3 FAs in the same soft gelatinous capsules. Clinical parameters and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the gingival crevicular fluid were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months after therapy.

Results: By the end of the study period, the omega-3-treated group achieved a greater mean probing pocket depth reduction, a mean gain in clinical attachment level especially in deep periodontal pockets, as well as a greater increase in SOD activity (p < 0.01) compared to SRP alone.

Conclusions: Adjunctive omega-3 FAs supplements with SRP reduce periodontal inflammation and improve the status of systemic enzymatic antioxidants in postmenopausal women.

Keywords: chronic periodontitis; omega-3 fatty acids; scaling and root planing.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Periodontitis / therapy*
  • Dental Scaling*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Gingival Crevicular Fluid / enzymology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Periodontal Pocket
  • Postmenopause
  • Root Planing*
  • Superoxide Dismutase / metabolism

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Superoxide Dismutase