EPA and DHA help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes: Omega 3 EPA and DHA decrease the risk of it
Omega-3 appears to protect individuals with high levels of free fatty acids, which instead promote the onset of the disease, from type 2 diabetes. Specifically, high omega-3 Index-the percentage of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to total fatty acids in red blood cell membranes-is associated with a low risk of developing the disease.
These are the findings of a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota (USA) and published in the journal Diabetes Care.
NEFA: a diabetic risk factor
Circulating free fatty acids, also known as nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), are a source of energy for the body. They are released into the bloodstream by the enzyme lipase, which is present in blood vessels, muscles and fat cells. A chronically high concentration of NEFAs, however, can have pathological consequences in obese or diabetic individuals and be a predisposing factor for sudden death. Some studies have suggested that NEFAs may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, a widespread form of diabetes. The condition occurs in adulthood and is characterized by a twofold defect: low production of insulin or an inadequate response of the body to the insulin produced.
Omega-3s attenuate the action of NEFAs
The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between high NEFA levels and the risk of type 2 diabetes and to test the 'possible action of omega-3s on this relationship. The researchers measured concentrations, fasting, of NEFA in 5,697 subjects, all participants in a multiethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA) over a period of about 11 years. The values obtained showed a higher incidence of diabetes in subjects with higher NEFA concentrations . The investigators then showed a significant interaction of omega-3s on the relationship between NEFA and type 2 diabetes. Individuals with low levels of the polyunsaturated fatty acids did, in fact, show a higher risk of diabetes than those with higher concentrations. Those who were deficient in EPA and DHA showed an Omega-3 Index of 3.9 percent, while those with medium to high concentrations showed 7.5 percent. The latter group was the one that showed the greatest benefits, in agreement with studies suggesting that an omega-3 Index of 8 percent is associated with lower cardiovascular risk; in spite of the fact that most of the population, who do not take EPA and DHA supplements, have an Index of 3-5 percent.
Can Omega-3s act on metabolic dysfunction?
According to the researchers, the results obtained, in addition to confirming the role of NEFAs as an indicator of type 2 diabetes, would suggest the protective effect of omega-3s against the disease. The authors of the research thus hypothesize that the 'increase of EPA and DHA in the blood may play an important role in healthy aging, but the action of omega-3s against NEFA-related metabolic dysfunction still requires further study.
Source: Steffen BT, Steffen LM, Zhou Z, Ouyang P, Weir NL, Tsai MY. n-3 fatty acids attenuate the risk of diabetes associated with elevated serum non-esterified fatty acids: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. 2015 Diab Care doi: 10.2337/dc14-1919
