Positive Health Online

Abstract

NETTLETON and KATZ, ScienceVoice Consulting, Denver, CO 80205, USA, sciencevoice@mindspring.com, have reviewed (123 references) n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and type 2 diabetes. Abstract: Epidemiological studies have reported a lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes in populations consuming large amounts of the n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids found mainly in fish. Controlled clinical studies have shown that consumption of n-3 fatty acids has cardioprotective effects in people with type 2 diabetes without adversely affecting glucose control and insulin activity. Benefits include lower risk of primary cardiac arrest; reduced cardiovascular mortality, particularly sudden cardiac death; reduced triglyceride levels; increased high-density lipoprotein levels; improved endothelial function in blood vessels; reduced tendency for thrombus formation; and lower blood pressure. These favourable effects outweigh the modest increase in low-density lipoprotein levels that may result from increased n-3 LC-PUFA intake. Preliminary evidence suggests increased consumption of n-3 fatty acids with concomitant reduced intake of saturated fat may reduce the risk of progressing from impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes in overweight persons. Expected health benefits and public health implications of consuming 1 to 2 g/day n-3 fatty acids as part of a lifestyle in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are discussed.

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References

Nettleton JA, Katz R. n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in type 2 diabetes: a review. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 105 (3): 428-440, Mar 2005.