(13-06-11) Fatty fish in the diet of patients with type 2 diabetes: comparison of the metabolic effects of foods rich in n-3 and n-6 fatty acid

Karlstr?m BE, J?rvi AE, Byberg L, Berglund LG, Vessby BO.
Source
From Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Public Health and Caring
Sciences and Uppsala Clinical Research Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala,
Sweden.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Dietary advice, including modification of dietary fat quality, is the basis of
treatment of diabetes, but there is some uncertainty about the optimal amount
of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-6 (omega-6) and n-3 (omega-3) series.

OBJECTIVE:
The objective was to compare the effects of diets rich in n-3 or n-6 fatty
acids on glucose and lipoprotein metabolism in type 2 diabetes.

DESIGN:
In a crossover study during 2 consecutive 3.5-wk periods, the participants
were provided diets with identical nutrient compositions containing either a
high proportion of n-3 (n-3 diet) or n-6 (n-6 diet) fatty acids through the
inclusion of fatty fish or lean fish and fat containing linoleic acid,
respectively.

RESULTS:
Blood glucose concentrations at fasting and during the day were lower with the
n-6 than with the n-3 diet (P = 0.009 and P = 0.029, respectively), and the
area under the insulin curve during the day was significantly higher (P = 0.03)
with the n-6 diet. Both diets showed similar effects on insulin sensitivity and
plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 concentrations. The reductions in VLDLs and
serum apolipoprotein B concentrations were more pronounced after the n-3 diet.

CONCLUSIONS:
The risk related to the moderately higher blood glucose concentrations with
the n-3-enriched diet may be counteracted by positive effects with regard to
lipoprotein concentrations. An increase in long-chain n-3 fatty acids from
fatty fish, and of n-6 fatty acids from linoleic acid, may be recommended for
patients with type 2 diabetes.

Source: Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 May 25. [Epub ahead of print]

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