Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) & Cystic fibrosis

Written based on 26 research studies on PubMed, searched on 11 Nov 2026.

The claim

Posts online say that omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) helps with cystic fibrosis.

Where research stands

We found 40 published papers on omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and cystic fibrosis. They were published between 1992 and 2024. 16 of them are studies in people. 12 of them compared people who got it with a group that did not. 4 were studies in animals, and 2 were only in cells in the lab. 9 papers are reviews that sum up other studies.

• 16In people12 with a comparison group
• 4In animals
• 2Only in the lab

What the studies found

We have not summed up these studies in words yet. The most important papers are listed under Sources.

Verdict

Sources

1. Impact of 1-Year Supplementation with High-Rich Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) on Clinical Variables and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.2024 · Nutrients · Randomised trial
2. Long-term docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation in cystic fibrosis patients: a randomized, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.2020 · Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids · Randomised trial
3. A comprehensive evaluation of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in cystic fibrosis patients using lipidomics.2019 · J Nutr Biochem · Randomised trial
4. Moderate intake of docosahexaenoic acid raises plasma and platelet vitamin E levels in cystic fibrosis patients.2016 · Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids · Randomised trial
5. The clinical benefits of long-term supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids in cystic fibrosis patients - A pilot study.2016 · Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids · Randomised trial
6. A randomized placebo-controlled study on high-dose oral algal docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in children with cystic fibrosis.2013 · Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids · Randomised trial
7. Biological effects of a dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in cystic fibrosis patients: a randomized, crossover placebo-controlled trial.2006 · Clin Nutr · Randomised trial
8. Bioavailability and safety of a high dose of docosahexaenoic acid triacylglycerol of algal origin in cystic fibrosis patients: a randomized, controlled study.2006 · Nutrition · Randomised trial
9. Changes of Erythrocyte Fatty Acids after Supplementation with Highly Concentrated Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) in Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.2023 · J Clin Med · Study in people
10. Fatty acids in blood and intestine following docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in adults with cystic fibrosis.2006 · J Cyst Fibros · Study in people
11. Impact of omega-3 supplementation on children and adolescents patients with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.2023 · Pediatr Pulmonol · Review
12. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for cystic fibrosis.2020 · Cochrane Database Syst Rev · Review
13. Omega-3 fatty acids for cystic fibrosis.2016 · Cochrane Database Syst Rev · Review
14. Omega-3 fatty acids for cystic fibrosis.2013 · Cochrane Database Syst Rev · Review
15. Omega-3 fatty acids for cystic fibrosis.2011 · Cochrane Database Syst Rev · Review
16. Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oils) for cystic fibrosis.2007 · Cochrane Database Syst Rev · Review
17. The antibacterial properties of docosahexaenoic omega-3 fatty acid against the cystic fibrosis multiresistant pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia.2012 · FEMS Microbiol Lett · In animals
18. Increased tissue arachidonic acid and reduced linoleic acid in a mouse model of cystic fibrosis are reversed by supplemental glycerophospholipids enriched in docosahexaenoic acid.2009 · J Nutr · In animals
19. Long-term docosahexaenoic acid therapy in a congenic murine model of cystic fibrosis.2007 · Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol · In animals
20. Characterization of LPS-induced lung inflammation in cftr-/- mice and the effect of docosahexaenoic acid.2002 · J Appl Physiol (1985) · In animals
21. Proresolving Action of Docosahexaenoic Acid Monoglyceride in Lung Inflammatory Models Related to Cystic Fibrosis.2015 · Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol · In the lab
22. Docosahexaenoic acid selectively augments muscarinic stimulation of epithelial Cl- secretion.2003 · J Surg Res · In the lab
23. Arachidonic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Metabolites in the Airways of Adults With Cystic Fibrosis: Effect of Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation.2019 · Front Pharmacol · Other paper
24. Neutrophil generation of inflammatory precursors is not modulated by docosahexaenoic acid.2009 · Inflamm Res · Other paper
25. Docosahexaenoic acid is associated with endosteal circumference in long bones in young males with cystic fibrosis.2008 · Br J Nutr · Other paper
26. Treating cystic fibrosis with fish oil.2004 · J Paediatr Child Health · Other paper