Omega-3 and the risk of diabetes
Two new studies are reviewed.
Singapore Chinese Health Study
- The analysis included 43,176 Chinese adults (45 to 74 years of age) who were free of chronic disease.
- Higher intake of total omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a significantly lower incidence of diabetes.
- Omega-3 from marine sources was not associated with diabetes risk
- Nonmarine omega-3 intake was significantly associated lower risk of diabetes.
- Omega-6 and omega-6:omega-3 ratio were not associated with incidence of type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes in older adults
- Data in 3088 older men and women (average age: 75 years) from the Cardiovascular Health Study were followed in real time.
- After controlling for the potential confounding effects of age, gender, race, clinic site, body mass index, alcohol intake, smoking, physical activity, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and linoleic acid, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid were not associated with a higher incidence of diabetes.
- Individuals with the highest concentrations of both types of fatty acids had lower risk of diabetes.
The bottom line?
Based on these results, higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a lower risk of diabetes.
Others here and here have reported the benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in people with diabetes.
6/10/11 21:25 JR