Article Synopsis
- Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied for their potential to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the bloodstream.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials involving 587 participants showed that omega-3 supplementation significantly raised BDNF levels compared to a placebo.
- The findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids, especially in high doses and various forms (like fish oil and flaxseed), can effectively boost serum BDNF concentrations and should be considered in treatments aimed at enhancing BDNF levels.
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Article Abstract
Background: Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) have attracted the attention of researchers because of their influence on circulatory levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Our objective was to review systematically and Meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effects of omega-3 FAs supplementation on serum BDNF concentration.
Methods: Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched until April 2023. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was utilized to evaluate the quality of the studies. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the overall effect size of BDNF levels, using the Standard Mean Difference (SMD) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). The heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using chi-squared and I2 statistics.
Results: A total of 12 studies involving 587 subjects were included. The supplementation of PUFA was found to be associated with a significant increase in serum levels of BNDF in the group receiving the supplements, as compared to the placebo group (SMD: 0.72 pg/mL, 95% CI: 0.28, 1.15; < 0.001) (I2 = 84.39%, < 0.001). Sub-group analyses revealed similar findings in trials with fewer than 10 weeks, which utilized both animal (fish oil) and herbal (flaxseed) forms of omega-3 supplements with a high daily dosage of 2000mg.
Conclusion: The present systematic review and meta-analysis indicate the efficacy of omega-3 FAs in increasing the serum concentration of BDNF. Therefore, omega-3 FAs should be prioritized as agents for increasing BDNF in interventions.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2023.2245996 | DOI Listing |
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