Omega‐3 as an adjuvant in the treatment eating and psychological symptoms in patients with anorexia nervosa: a systematic review and meta‐analyses

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThis study was carried out to assess the effects of omega‐3 supplementation as an adjunct treatment for eating and psychological symptoms in patients with anorexia nervosa.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of the literature using the terms ‘anorexia nervosa’ AND ‘Fatty Acids, Omega‐3’. Five randomised controlled trials with a total of 144 participants, published between 2003 and 2022, were included.ResultsThe effects of supplementation of omega‐3 on anxiety were standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.08 to 1.66; p = 0.08; I² = 3%; two studies, 33 participants; moderate quality of evidence. For depression, the supplementation of omega‐3 was SMD: 0.22, 95% CI: −0.50 to 0.93; p = 0.18; I² = 45%; two studies, 33 participants; moderate quality of evidence. For obsessive‐compulsive disorder, the supplementation of omega‐3 was SMD: −0.22, 95% CI: −0.70 to 2.25; p = 0.36; I² = 0%; three studies, 32 participants; low quality of evidence.ConclusionThis research showed that regardless of dose, time or, if associated with other components, the use of omega‐3 supplementations as an adjuvant treatment showed no evidence of effect in eating and psychological symptoms in patients with anorexia nervosa.