ABSTRACT
Objectives: We sought to evaluate the effects of omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation on carotid intima-media thickness [CIMT] and inflammatory factors in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS]
Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done among 60 women with PCOS. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups [n = 30 each group] and assigned to take either 1000 mg omega-3 plus 400 IU vitamin E supplements or a placebo for 12 weeks
Results: Compared with placebo, omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation led to significant decreases in maximum levels of left CIMT [-0.006 +/- 0.006 vs. +0.002 +/- 0.007 mm, p < 0.001], mean levels of left CIMT [-0.005 +/- 0.006 vs. +0.002 +/- 0.010 mm, p = 0.010], maximum levels of right CIMT [-0.006 +/- 0.010 vs. +0.006 +/- 0.010 mm, p = 0.010], and mean levels of right CIMT [-0.005 +/- 0.005 vs. +0.001 +/- 0.010 mm, p = 0.020]. Change in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] [-390.6 +/- 942.9 vs. +237.0 +/- 754.3 ng/mL, p = 0.006] was significantly different between the supplemented patients and placebo group. We did not observe any significant effect in plasma nitric oxide [NO] values following supplementation with omega-3 plus vitamin E compared with the placebo
Conclusions: Co-supplementation with omega-3 and vitamin E for 12 weeks among patients with PCOS had beneficial effects on CIMT and serum hs-CRP values, but unchanged NO values