Omega-3 shows no diabetes prevention benefits, says U.S. study

Increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids are not associated with a reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to new findings.

The study involved 195,204 American adults free from diabetes at the start of the study, and followed them for up to 18 years (1). Over the course of the study, 9,380 people developed the disease, and increased intakes of the fatty acids fish were associated with a ‘modest’ 20% increase in type 2 diabetes, said the researchers.

Given the beneficial effects of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intake on many cardiovascular disease risk factors, the clinical relevance of this relation and its possible mechanisms require further investigation, the scientists commented.

1. Kaushik M. et al. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, fish intake, and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2009; 90:613–620.