Omega-3 fatty acids’ effect on leptin and adiponectin concentrations in patients with spinal cord injury: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial

This study investigated the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on leptin and adiponectin levels in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). These hormones are important for fat metabolism and have been linked to cardiovascular health. Patients with SCI were given either omega-3 supplements or a placebo for 14 months. Researchers measured leptin and adiponectin levels at the beginning, after 6 months, and after 14 months. The findings suggest that omega-3 supplementation did not significantly alter leptin levels but did decrease adiponectin levels in SCI patients. The relationship between weight and leptin was also affected by the omega-3 intervention.

• 1
  Fourteen months of treatment with DHA and EPA did not influence concentrations of leptin but adiponectin level was significantly decreased (P: 0.03).
• 2
  Weight was positively correlated with leptin level at stage 0 of trial (P: 0.008, r = 0.41) while this association was attenuated through stages of trial after intervention.
• 3
  Our data show that omega-3 fatty acids may not affect plasma concentrations of leptin but adiponectin level is decreased in patients with SCI.