Table 3.
GRADE quality assessment.
| Outcomes | Anticipated absolute effects* (95% CI) | Relative effect (95% CI) | No. of participants (studies) | Certainty of the evidence (GRADE) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Risk with no n-3 LCPUFA Risk with n-3 LCPUFA | |||||
| Birth weight (RCT) | The mean birth weight in the intervention was 57.5 g higher (26.2–88.8 g) | MD 57.5 g higher (26.2–88.8) | 6,408 (19 RCTs) | ⊕⊕⊕° MODERATEa | n-3 LCPUFA probably results in an increase in birth weight compared to controls groups |
| Weight at 0–4 years (RCT) | The mean weight at 0–4 years of age in the intervention group was 0.05 kg higher (−0.27 to 0.18 kg) | MD 0.05 kg higher (−0.27 to 0.18) | 2,097 (6 RCTs) | ⊕⊕°° LOWa, c | No evidence for an effect of n-3 LCPUFA on weight at 1–4 years compared to control |
| BMI at 0–4 years (RCT) | Standard mean difference at 0–4 years of age in the intervention group was 0.08 kg/m2 higher (−0.28 to 0.44 kg/m2) | SMD 0.08 kg/m2 higher (−0.28 to 0.44) | 1,908 (4 RCTs) | ⊕°°° VERY LOWa, b, c | No evidence for an effect of n-3 LCPUFA on BMI at 1–4 years compared to control |
| Weight at 5–10 years (RCT) | The mean weight at 5–10 years of age in the intervention group was 0.20 kg higher (−0.05 to 0.45 kg) | MD 0.20 kg higher (−0.05 to 0.45) | 3,477 (7 RCTs) | ⊕⊕⊕° MODERATEc | No evidence for an effect of n-3 LCPUFA on weight at 5–10 years compared to control |
| BMI at 5–10 years (RCT) | Standard mean difference at 5–10 years of age in the intervention group was 0.11 kg/m2 higher (0.04–0.18 kg/m2) | SMD 0.11 kg/m2 higher (0.04–0.18) | 3,445 (7 RCTs) | ⊕⊕⊕° MODERATEa | n-3 LCPUFA probably results in an increase in BMI compared to controls groups |
The risk in the intervention group (and its 95% CI) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI). CI, confidence interval; MD, mean difference; SMD, standardized mean difference. GRADE Working Group grades of evidence. High certainty: We are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect. Moderate certainty: We are moderately confident in the effect estimate: The true effect is likely to be close to the estimate of the effect, but there is a possibility that it is substantially different. Low certainty: Our confidence in the effect estimate is limited: The true effect may be substantially different from the estimate of the effect. Very low certainty: We have very little confidence in the effect estimate: The true effect is likely to be substantially different from the estimate of effect.
High risk of bias for included studies.
High heterogeneity.
Wide confidence intervals.
Bold values indicates our results.