An exploratory, open-label, pilot randomized trial of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on serum ferritin in university female students: The OMEGA-3 FA study.

BACKGROUND

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have unique properties that are advantageous for female. However, no study has explored the effects of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on serum ferritin levels. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on serum ferritin levels in university female students.

METHODS

Thirty-nine iron-deficient university female students aged 18-29 years randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group (receiving 525 mg eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and 175 mg docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] daily for 8 weeks) or the control group. Hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels, dietary intake, and lipidomics were assessed at baseline and after the 8-week intervention period. Analyses were performed by an independent, blinded statistician.

RESULTS

The adherence rate in the study was 94.9 %. n-3 PUFA supplementation increased the omega-3 index (1.8 ± 1.7 vs. 0.4 ± 1.1; p = 0.007), while it decreased the omega-6/3 ratio (-2.6 ± 2.5 vs. -0.9 ± 1.5; p = 0.016) and arachidonic acid/EPA ratio (-9.1 ± 11.6 vs. 1.4 ± 8.5; p = 0.004) compared to those in the control group. These supplementation increased serum ferritin levels (7.8 ± 9.1 vs. 1.8 ± 8.0 ng/mL; p = 0.041); however, it did not change hemoglobin and hepcidin levels compared to those in the control group. No adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study, omega-3 PUFA supplementation was associated with modest changes in iron status markers in young healthy females. These findings are exploratory, and further placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm the effects.

NAME OF TRIAL REGISTRY: The effect of omega-3 fatty acids intake on hepcidin and anemia Identifying number: UMIN000050570.

DATE OF REGISTRATION: 2023/03/14.