EFFECT OF A COMBINATION OF OMEGA-3 AND ORAL TESTOSTERONE UNDECANOATE ON SERUM TESTOSTERONE LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENCY

Abstract

Background and Objective Oral testosterone undecanoate (TU) is taken up by the intestinal lymphatic system. Thus, the dietary lipid content affects TU absorption. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combined omega-3 fatty acids (OMG3) and oral TU on serum testosterone levels in patients with testosterone deficiency (TD). Material and Methods Sixty consecutive patients with symptomatic TD and low serum total testosterone (TT) levels were enrolled and divided randomly into group 1, oral TU 80 mg twice daily for 30 days, and group 2, OMG3 and oral TU 80 mg twice daily for 30 days. Serum TT concentrations and male function scales were evaluated at baseline and 7 days and 1 month post-treatment. Dietary habits were investigated, and caloric and lipid intakes were measured during the treatment periods. Results The groups did not differ in terms of mean age, body mass index, comorbidities, initial serum TT concentrations, and IIEF/AMS scores. After 7 days and 1 month of treatment, serum TT concentrations were only significantly increased in group 2. The degree of increase in TT was higher in group 2 than in group 1 at 7 days and 1 month, although the difference was only significant at 1 month. Both groups exhibited significant improvements in IIEF and AMS scores at 1 month, with no significant inter-group difference. A diet diary study revealed that 23.3% and 20% of both groups did not eat breakfast and both groups consumed <12 g of lipids and <500 Kcals, without significance differences. Conclusion We observed a significant increase in serum TT concentration after 1 month of treatment with the combination of OMG3 and oral TU, compared to with oral TU monotherapy. Therefore, the combination of OMG3 and oral TU can be considered for the treatment of TD in Korean patients with irregular breakfast habits.