Dose-Dependent Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on C-Reactive Protein Concentrations in Cardiometabolic Disorders: A Dose–Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials Publisher



Amlashi MA^{1, 2} ; Payahoo A³ ; Maskouni SJ⁴ ; Dehghani E^{5, 6, 7} ; Talandashti MK¹ ; Ghelichi Y⁸ ; Nikoumanesh M⁸ ; Rezvani S¹ ; Shahinfar H⁹ ; Shidfar F^{1, 2} Show Affiliations
Source: Inflammopharmacology Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Based on current knowledge, omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP). However, the dose–response effect and the strength of this effect are not entirely clear. Methods: We systematically searched and screened databases to include eligible studies. This study incorporates a random effect, as well as dose–response meta-analyses using a restricted cubic spline model. Results: Forty randomized clinical trials were analyzed. Results demonstrated significant non-linear dose–response efficacy in the reduction of CRP concentration in patients with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension up to 1200 mg/day of EPA and DHA. In addition, there was a linear decrease in CRP concentration in the dyslipidemia population. The meta-analysis results did not show any significant reduction of CRP in overweight and obese participants, and the dose–response analysis failed to show any apparent reduction. In type 2 diabetes, pooling the results revealed a significant reduction in CRP; however, the combination of EPA and DHA failed to show significant dose–response efficacy in changing CRP concentration. Conclusion: 1200 mg/day of EPA and DHA may help to reduce CRP concentration in patients with cardiometabolic disorders. This reduction is clinically significant, and thus intervention with omega-3 fatty acids should be considered for this population. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.