The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin E Co-Supplementation on Indices of Insulin Resistance and Hormonal Parameters in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Mehri Jamilian
Mansooreh Samimi
Mohsen Taghizadeh
Zatollah Asemi
Elham Rahmani
Mohammad Reza Memarzadeh
Shahnaz Ahmadi
Fatemeh Foroozanfard
Hossein Akbari
Faraneh Afshar Ebrahimi
Journal: Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes (2017)
Discipline: BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
Keywords: omega-3 fatty acids; vitamin E; insulin resistance; hormonal parameters; polycystic ovary syndrome
Affiliations: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, I.R. Iran, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran, Department of Biostatistics, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, I.R. Iran, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, I.R. Iran, Barij Medicinal Plants Research Center, Kashan, I.R. Iran

Abstract:  This study was conducted to determine the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation on indices of insulin resistance and hormonal parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done on 68 women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria aged 18-40 years old. Participants were randomly assigned into 2 groups to receive either 1 000 mg omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil containing 400 mg α-Linolenic acid plus 400 IU vitamin E supplements (n=34) or placebo (n=34) for 12 weeks. Hormonal parameters were quantified at the beginning of the study and after 12-week intervention. After 12 weeks of intervention, compared to the placebo, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in insulin (-1.0±3.5 vs. +2.7±6.6 µIU/mL, P=0.004), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (-0.2±0.8 vs. +0.6±1.5, P=0.005), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated B cell function (-4.3±14.3 vs. +10.5±24.5, P=0.004) and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.006±0.02 vs. -0.01±0.04, P=0.008). Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids plus vitamin E led to significant reductions in serum total testosterone (-0.5±0.7 vs. -0.1±0.5 ng/mL, P=0.008) and free testosterone (-1.2±2.1 vs. -0.2±1.7, P=0.04) compared to the placebo group. We did not observe any significant effect of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation on fasting plasma glucose and other hormonal profiles. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation for 12 weeks in PCOS women significantly improved indices of insulin resistance, total and free testosterone. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 5G. * Blue boxes: two panels appear to overlap, with a rotation ![file] ,