Mediterranean Diet Supplemented with Omega-3 Improves Climacteric Symptoms and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Perimenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Hadia Choual, Khedidja Mekki, Arslane BattayebBackground:
The menopausal transition is marked by various climacteric symptoms related to hormonal fluctuations, which could have a negative impact on health.
Objective:
To evaluate the impact of the MD supplemented with omega-3 on climacteric symptoms and glycemic and lipid profiles in perimenopausal women.
Methods:
Ninety-eight women aged (47 ± 2 years) in menopausal transition with climacteric symptoms received nutritional advice adapted to MD. Subjects were randomized into two groups: a group (n=49) received omega-3 fish oil supplementation at a dose of 1g per day for 60 days, and the second group (n=49) served as the control. The climacteric symptoms were assessed using the (GREENE Scale), and lipid and glycemic profiles at baseline and after 60 days of study initiation.
Results:
Compared to the control group, we noted a significant decrease in psychological (-39.06%; p≤0.000), physical (-35.23%; p≤0.01), vasomotor symptoms (-47.41%; p≤0.05), and (-39.19%, p≤0.001) in GCS. A significant decrease in body weight (-12,9%; p≤0.001), waist circumference (- 8,82%; p≤0.001), hip circumference (-12,55%; p≤0.001), as well as BMI (-16,46%; p≤0.001) was noted. Compared to the control group, HbA1c concentrations were significantly reduced by (- 13,16 %; p≤0.001), as were glucose concentration (-15,65%; p≤0.01), Total Cholesterol (-26,86 %; p≤0.001), Triglycerides (-25,38%; p≤0.001) and LDL-Cholesterol (-6.5 %; p≤0.01). HDLCholesterol has significantly increased (28,23%; p≤0.001) in the supplemented group.
Discussion:
The combination of MD and omega-3 appears to have a beneficial effect on menopausal symptoms and metabolic profile in perimenopausal women. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Conclusion:
The study showed that MD supplemented with daily omega-3 fish oil reduced climacteric symptoms and glycemic and lipid profiles in women undergoing menopausal transition.