Supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the management of dysmenorrhea in adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to examine whether dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can relieve symptoms of dysmenorrhea in adolescents.


METHODS
Forty-two adolescents with dysmenorrhea were randomly allocated to two groups. In the first group 21 girls received fish oil (1080 mg icosapentaenoic acid, 720 mg docosahexaenoic acid, and 1.5 mg vitamin E) daily for 2 months followed by a placebo for an additional 2 months. In the second group 21 girls received placebo for the first 2 months, followed by fish oil for 2 more months. The Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale was used to assess response to treatment.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in the Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale between the two groups at baseline after 2 months of placebo administration. After 2 months of treatment with fish oil there was a marked reduction in the Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale from a baseline mean value of 69.9 to 44.0 (p < 0.0004).


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids has a beneficial effect on symptoms of dysmenorrhea in adolescents.
Harel
Z
Z
Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
Biro
F M
FM
Kottenhahn
R K
RK
Rosenthal
S L
SL
D000293:Adolescent; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000178:diet therapy*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction
D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils