Efficacy of Omega-3 supplementation in olfactory dysfunction: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Abstract Background Olfactory dysfunction (OD) significantly impacts patients’ quality of life, yet effective treatments are limited. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown promise in improving olfactory function, but further research is needed to evaluate their efficacy. Aims/Objectives This systematic rev...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMC Nutrition |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-025-01114-1 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Olfactory dysfunction (OD) significantly impacts patients’ quality of life, yet effective treatments are limited. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown promise in improving olfactory function, but further research is needed to evaluate their efficacy. Aims/Objectives This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of omega-3 supplementation on OD. Methods A comprehensive search identified randomized controlled trials investigating omega-3 supplementation in OD patients. Inclusion criteria involved adult patients receiving omega-3 fatty acids and undergoing olfactory function assessments. Results Three studies with 175 participants were included. Two studies reported omega-3’s protective effect against olfactory loss over three months. However, a trial on COVID-19 patients found no significant improvement in olfactory function. Conclusions Omega-3 supplementation, along with olfactory training or nasal rinses, appears to improve olfactory function in OD patients. However, further research is needed to evaluate its standalone efficacy. Omega-3 fatty acids offer a potential therapy for OD, warranting optimization and long-term effects investigation. |
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| ISSN: | 2055-0928 |