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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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMC Nutrition
Main Authors: Raghad S. Alzahrani, Taif F. Alkhatabi, Abdulaziz F. Bokhari, Wed M. Ismail, Abdullah S. Alyamani, Ali S. Alsudais, Bassam AlRajhi, Dakheelallah M. Almutairi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-025-01114-1
Description
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.
ISSN:2055-0928