Skip to content

Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Hypertriglyceridemia in Pediatric Patients With Obesity.

Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Hypertriglyceridemia in Pediatric Patients With Obesity. A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial.

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03216057
Enrollment
168
Registered
2017-07-13
Start date
2008-05-20
Completion date
2016-11-22
Last updated
2025-03-18

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Hypertriglyceridemia, Pediatric Obesity

Keywords

hypertriglyceridemia, pediatric obesity, omega 3

Brief summary

The primary objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy the 3 grams per day of omega-3 in adolescents with obesity and hypertriglyceridemia ( ≥ 150 mg/dl and ≤ 1000 mg/dl) for 12 weeks, compared with placebo. Half of subjects received 3 grams of omega 3, while the other half received placebo.

Detailed description

First of all, the omega-3 free fatty acids have an important effect for lowering triglycerides through three potential mechanisms such as: Inhibition of triacylglycerol synthesis as direct inhibition of diacyl glycerol acetyl transferase and phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase results in lowering triacylglycerol production. Simulation of fatty acid oxidation through activation of peroxisome proliferation activated receptor stimulates hepatic mitochondrial and peroxisomal beta oxidation of fatty acids. Decreased availability of fatty acids for triacylglycerol synthesis results in lowering plasma triacylglycerol levels Lipoprotein Lipase mediated clearance. One of the first randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical trials was managed by Harris in 1997 in adult subjects with an average age of 46 ± 11 years and severe hypertriglyceridemia (500-2000 mg / dl) 20 subjects received placebo and 22 subjects 4 grams of omega-3. The mean percent change from baseline in the omega-3 group was -45 ± 23% and in the placebo group was -16 ± 35% (p \<0.0001). Also, more clinical trials have recently been conducted with similar results such as the most recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that was conducted by Ta-Chen Su in Taiwan in adults with hypertriglyceridemia (200-1000 mg / dl). The first group received 4 grams of omega-3 (n = 84), the second group received 2 grams of omega-3 (n = 82) and the third group received placebo (n = 87). The mean percent change from baseline in the 4 grams of omega-3 group was -32.1%, in the 2 grams group of omega-3 was -29.7% and in the placebo group was -5.4% (p \<0.0001) What is more, the strongest scientific evidence in favor of supplementation of omega-3 acids fatty was determined by two meta-analysis, the first study was published by Harris in 1997 that included 72 placebo-controlled clinical trials, the study showed a reduction of 25-30% triglycerides levels with doses of 3-4 g omega-3 compared with placebo in subjects with triglycerides levels ≥500mg / dl. The second meta-analysis by Balk that included 17 clinical trials (7,803 patients) with different doses of omega-3 (0.8-5.4 g). The net reduction in triglycerides levels was -27 mg / dl (IC95% 22-30), p \<0.0001 In addition, the American Heart Association based on the meta-analysis by Harris currently recommends the administration of 2 to 4 grams of omega-3 per day for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia (≥500mg / dl) in adult patients. Secondly, the Task Force for the Management of Dyslipidaemias of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) currently recommends that if hypertriglyceridemia is not able to reduce with statins or fibrates the physician will prescribe 2-4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce triglyceride levels in adult patients. Finally, the Food Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004 authorized the administration of 2 to 4 grams of omega-3 per day for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia (≥500mg / dl) in adult patients. There is enough evidence that medical literature supports the use of omega-3 in adult patients for treatment of hypertriglyceridemia even the American Heart Association has made the recommendation in its Scientific Statement but unfortunately in children the information about the use of omega-3 for hypertriglyceridemia is insufficient to make clinical decisions. There are no specific recommendations and dosages of omega-3 in children and adolescents for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. A randomized, double-blind placebo controlled clinical trials are necessary to assess the efficacy and safety of omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia in children and adolescents. Main objective: Assessing the efficacy and safety of supplementation of 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids for 12 weeks on serum triglycerides in adolescents with obesity and hypertriglyceridemia compared to a control group that received placebo. Secondary objective: Assessing the efficacy and safety of supplementation of 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids for 12 weeks on serum cholesterol, HDL-C, glucose and uric acid in adolescents with obesity and hypertriglyceridemia compared to a control group that received placebo. Study plan detailing the procedures. Visit 1 Enrollment: The subject was picked up by the Allergy Department and Obesity Clinic. Informed consent and informed assent. Demography (date of birth, gender) and evaluation of Inclusion/Exclusion criteria Medical. Surgical history physical examination and anthropometry (weight, height, body mass index, abdominal perimeter, waist and hip). Pulse and blood pressure. Pregnancy test. Fasting venous blood samples of 12 hours for the measurement of triglycerides and metabolic profile. Food recommendation was indicated by the Pediatric Clinical Nutrition Service. Physical activity was indicated with a 30-minute walk per day for seven days per week by the Pediatric Clinical Nutrition service. Visit 2 Randomization: Triglyceride levels were reviewed, in case of report ≥150 mg / dl and ≤ 1000 mg/dl the subjects were randomized. The type of randomization used was blocked randomisation, number of subjects per block were 10 and number of blocks were 13. (130 subjects were randomized). Allocation of omega-3 or placebo capsules for all randomized subjects and beginning of the week 0 of treatment. Visit 3 Treatment week 4 Allocation of omega-3 or placebo capsules. Checking of adverse effects. Accounting of capsules. Supervision of compliance diary of omega-3 or placebo capsules. Supervision of compliance diary food recommendation. Supervision of compliance physical activity Visit 4 Treatment week 8 Allocation of omega-3 or placebo capsules. Checking of adverse effects. Accounting of capsules. Supervision of compliance diary of omega-3 or placebo capsules. Supervision of compliance diary food recommendation. Supervision of compliance physical activity. Visit 5 Treatment week 12 Checking of adverse effects. Accounting of capsules. Supervision of compliance diary of omega-3 or placebo capsules. Supervision of compliance diary food recommendation. Supervision of compliance physical activity. Follow-up telephone call week 16. A follow-up telephone was performed 4 weeks after the visit 5. At the follow-up telephone call, the investigator checked adverse events.

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTOmega-3 fatty acid 3 grams per day

Each capsule contains 400 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 200 mg of docosahexaenoic acid. We allocated five capsules per day, three in the morning and two at night, every 12 hours (8.00 am and 8:00 pm), therefore the subject ingest 2000 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 1000 mg of docosahexaenoic acid per day (3 gr of Omega 3 per day) by mouth for 12 weeks. The trademark is Omega RX Dr.Sears Zone labs Inc.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTPlacebo

Placebo Comparator: Placebo Each capsule contains 600 mg of soybean oil. We allocated five capsules per day, three in the morning and two at night, every 12 hours (8.00 am and 8:00 pm), therefore the subject ingest 3000 mg of soybean oil per day (3 gr soya oil per day) by mouth for 12 weeks.

Sponsors

Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Masking description

The Masking intervention had made for investigation subjects and researchers

Intervention model description

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
10 Years to 16 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Ages 10-16 years old * Informed consent from a parent or legal guardian of minors or adult subject * Written assent from the adolescent to participate in the study * Obese patients (Body Mass Index ≥95th percentile according to the National Center for Health Statistics, Center for Disease Control and Prevention \[CDC\]. * Fasting Serum triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL and ≤1000 mg/dL. * Cooperation to ingest capsules (omega-3 or placebo) and taking laboratories

Exclusion criteria

* The subjects must not had received pharmacology treatment for hypertriglyceridemia six months before and at the time of enrollment. * Treatment with medications that affect triglyceride levels, including oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. * Pregnancy or positive urine pregnancy test for those females who have begun menstruating. * Known Bleeding Disorder or Coagulopathy or treatment with anticoagulant medications or low platelet counts, abnormal PT, or PTT. * Subjects with mental delayed. * Neurological disorder. * Subjects with Cardiopathy * Subjects with gastroesophageal reflux * Endocrinopathies such as thyroid disorder, Hypothalamic disorder and Type 1 or 2 diabetes or fasting glucose that is \>=126 mg/dl. * Subjects with liver disease * Familial hypertriglyceridemia. * Familial hypercholesterolemia * Polycystic ovary syndrome * Use of contraceptives by any way of administration 6 months before and at the time of enrollment. * Use of vitamins 6 months before and at the time of enrollment. * Allergy to fish oil. * Allergy to soybean oil. Elimination criteria: * Subject or parents´ subject either decision to discontinue of the study at any time without prejudice to further treatment. * Serious adverse event. * Safety reason as judged by the investigator. * Pregnancy.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Percentage Change in Serum Triglyceride Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment12 weeksPercentage change in serum triglyceride levels from baseline to week 12 of study treatment
Milligram Change in Serum Triglyceride Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment12 weeksMilligram Change in Serum Triglyceride Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Percentage Change in Serum HDL-C Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment12 weeksPercentage Change in Serum HDL-C Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment
Milligram Change in Serum HDL-C Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment12 weeksMilligram Change in Serum HDL-C Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment
Percentage Change in Serum Glucose Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment12 weeksPercentage Change in Serum Glucose Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment
Percentage Change in Serum Cholesterol Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment12 weeksPercentage Change in Serum Cholesterol Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment
Percentage Change in Serum Uric Acid Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment12 weeksPercentage Change in Serum Uric Acid Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment
Milligram Change in Serum Uric Acid Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment12 weeksMilligram Change in Serum Uric Acid Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment
Milligram Change in Glucose Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment12 weeksMilligram Change in Glucose Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment
Milligram Change in Serum Cholesterol Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment12 weeksMilligram Change in Serum Cholesterol Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Participant flow

Recruitment details

The subjects were enrolled from Obesity Clinic and Department of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology of the Children's Hospital of Mexico.

Pre-assignment details

First of all, the researcher has enrolled 168 subjects, who were assessed for eligibility, but 38 subjects have done screen failure because they have not met all the inclusion criteria, therefore only 130 subjects, who have started the study, were randomized.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Omega-3
Each capsule contains 400 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 200 mg of docosahexaenoic acid. We allocated five capsules per day, three in the morning and two at night, every 12 hours (8.00 am and 8:00 pm), therefore the subject ingest 2000 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 1000 mg of docosahexaenoic acid per day (3 grams of Omega 3 per day) by mouth for 12 weeks. The trademark is Omega Rx Dr.Sears Zone labs Inc. Omega-3 fatty acid 3 grams per day: Each capsule contains 400 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 200 mg of docosahexaenoic acid. We allocated five capsules per day, three in the morning and two at night, every 12 hours (8.00 am and 8:00 pm), therefore the subject ingest 2000 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 1000 mg of docosahexaenoic acid per day (3 gr of Omega 3 per day) by mouth for 12 weeks. The trademark is Omega RX Dr.Sears Zone labs Inc.
65
Placebo
Each capsule contains 600 mg of soybean oil. We allocated five capsules per day, three in the morning and two at night, every 12 hours (8.00 am and 8:00 pm), therefore the subject ingest 3000 mg of soybean oil per day (3 gr soya oil per day) by mouth for 12 weeks. Placebo: Placebo Comparator: Placebo Each capsule contains 600 mg of soybean oil. We allocated five capsules per day, three in the morning and two at night, every 12 hours (8.00 am and 8:00 pm), therefore the subject ingest 3000 mg of soybean oil per day (3 gr soya oil per day) by mouth for 12 weeks.
65
Total130

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyLost to Follow-up22

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicTotalPlaceboOmega-3
Abdominal circumference94.5 centimeters
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.6
93.5 centimeters
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.4
95.5 centimeters
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.6
Age, Continuous12.3 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.6
12.5 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.5
12.1 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.6
Body Mass Index28.6 Kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.4
28.2 Kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3
28.9 Kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.8
Cholesterol161.4 mg/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 34.5
157.9 mg/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 38.3
165.0 mg/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 30.2
Glucose86.1 mg/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.1
85.3 mg/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.1
86.9 mg/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.7
HDL-C33.6 mg/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.4
32.6 mg/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.7
34.6 mg/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.8
Height154.8 centimeters
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.7
154.5 centimeters
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.7
155.0 centimeters
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.7
Hip circumference90.8 centimeters
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.8
90.1 centimeters
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.5
91.6 centimeters
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10
Sex: Female, Male
Female
80 Participants42 Participants38 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
50 Participants23 Participants27 Participants
Triglycerides222.4 mg/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 69.2
222.6 mg/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 75.9
222.1 mg/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 62.3
Uric acid5.9 mg/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.1
5.8 mg/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1
6.0 mg/dl
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.3
Waist circumference99.4 centimeters
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.8
98.9 centimeters
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.6
99.8 centimeters
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.05
Weight69.4 Kilograms
STANDARD_DEVIATION 15.2
68.4 Kilograms
STANDARD_DEVIATION 14.2
70.4 Kilograms
STANDARD_DEVIATION 16.2

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 650 / 65
other
Total, other adverse events
27 / 654 / 65
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 650 / 65

Outcome results

Primary

Milligram Change in Serum Triglyceride Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Milligram Change in Serum Triglyceride Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Time frame: 12 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Omega-3Milligram Change in Serum Triglyceride Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment127.7 mg/dlStandard Deviation 45.5
PlaceboMilligram Change in Serum Triglyceride Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment187.6 mg/dlStandard Deviation 80.4
p-value: <0.0195% CI: [-83, -36.8]t-test, 2 sided
Primary

Percentage Change in Serum Triglyceride Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Percentage change in serum triglyceride levels from baseline to week 12 of study treatment

Time frame: 12 weeks

Population: Intention to treat population (All subjects who received at least one dose of intervention were assessed in statistical analysis)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Omega-3Percentage Change in Serum Triglyceride Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment-39.1 Percent change (%)Standard Deviation 24.7
PlaceboPercentage Change in Serum Triglyceride Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment-14.6 Percent change (%)Standard Deviation 21.8
p-value: <0.0195% CI: [-32.7, -16.2]t-test, 2 sided
Secondary

Milligram Change in Glucose Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Milligram Change in Glucose Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Time frame: 12 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Omega-3Milligram Change in Glucose Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment86.1 mg/dlStandard Deviation 8.6
PlaceboMilligram Change in Glucose Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment84.1 mg/dlStandard Deviation 7.9
p-value: 0.195% CI: [-0.9, 4.9]t-test, 2 sided
Secondary

Milligram Change in Serum Cholesterol Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Milligram Change in Serum Cholesterol Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Time frame: 12 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Omega-3Milligram Change in Serum Cholesterol Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment157.4 mg/dlStandard Deviation 31.4
PlaceboMilligram Change in Serum Cholesterol Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment162.4 mg/dlStandard Deviation 30.7
p-value: 0.395% CI: [-15.8, 6.05]t-test, 2 sided
Secondary

Milligram Change in Serum HDL-C Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Milligram Change in Serum HDL-C Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Time frame: 12 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Omega-3Milligram Change in Serum HDL-C Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment34.4 mg/dlStandard Deviation 5.2
PlaceboMilligram Change in Serum HDL-C Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment36.7 mg/dlStandard Deviation 5.8
p-value: 0.0295% CI: [-4.1, -0.3]t-test, 2 sided
Secondary

Milligram Change in Serum Uric Acid Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Milligram Change in Serum Uric Acid Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Time frame: 12 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Omega-3Milligram Change in Serum Uric Acid Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment5.7 mg/dlStandard Deviation 1.4
PlaceboMilligram Change in Serum Uric Acid Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment4.8 mg/dlStandard Deviation 0.8
p-value: <0.0195% CI: [0.4, 1.2]t-test, 2 sided
Secondary

Percentage Change in Serum Cholesterol Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Percentage Change in Serum Cholesterol Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Time frame: 12 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Omega-3Percentage Change in Serum Cholesterol Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment-2.9 Percent change (%)Standard Deviation 19.5
PlaceboPercentage Change in Serum Cholesterol Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment6.1 Percent change (%)Standard Deviation 20.6
p-value: 0.0195% CI: [-16.1, -1.9]t-test, 2 sided
Secondary

Percentage Change in Serum Glucose Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Percentage Change in Serum Glucose Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Time frame: 12 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Omega-3Percentage Change in Serum Glucose Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment-0.4 Percent change (%)Standard Deviation 10.1
PlaceboPercentage Change in Serum Glucose Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment0.7 Percent change (%)Standard Deviation 17.7
p-value: 0.695% CI: [-6.3, 3.8]t-test, 2 sided
Secondary

Percentage Change in Serum HDL-C Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Percentage Change in Serum HDL-C Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Time frame: 12 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Omega-3Percentage Change in Serum HDL-C Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment3.8 Percent change (%)Standard Deviation 22.3
PlaceboPercentage Change in Serum HDL-C Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment16.2 Percent change (%)Standard Deviation 27.5
p-value: <0.0195% CI: [-21.2, -3.5]t-test, 2 sided
Secondary

Percentage Change in Serum Uric Acid Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Percentage Change in Serum Uric Acid Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment

Time frame: 12 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Omega-3Percentage Change in Serum Uric Acid Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment-1.9 Percent change (%)Standard Deviation 26
PlaceboPercentage Change in Serum Uric Acid Levels From Baseline to Week 12 of Study Treatment-15.3 Percent change (%)Standard Deviation 16
p-value: <0.0195% CI: [5.8, 21]t-test, 2 sided

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026