Effects of ω-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Glycemic Status and High Sensitive C-Reactive Protein in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the major endocrine disorders among females. PCOS is associated with development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on glycemic status and high sensitive C-reactive protein in women with PCOS. This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 61 PCOS patients. Subjects in ω-3 fatty acids (n =30) and placebo (n =31) groups take 4 ω-3 fatty acids capsules (each one contained 180 mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 120 mg docosahexanoic acid) or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Anthropometric and biochemical measurments and food intakes were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. ω-3 fatty acid supplementation caused significant decrease in serum levels of glucose, insulin (p < 0.001 for both) and insulin resistance (p = 0.002) at the end of the study in comparision with baseline values. This was also statistically significant compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001, p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). No statistically significant differences in serum levels of high sensitive C-reactive protein were obsereved in any of groups at the end of the study (p > 0.05). ω-3 fatty acid supplementation had some beneficial effects on glycemic status of PCOS patients and may be useful in prevention and control of metabolic conmplication of this syndrome.