Is Fish Oil Actually Helpful For Preventing Juvenile Diabetes?

Despite tremendous advances in the management of type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes), it is still on the rise and is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity. Diabetes is etiologically a multi-factorial condition involving various genetic, behavioral, and environmental origins. People with juvenile diabetes should understand the use of correct dietary habits, which have proven to be extremely essential in the regulation of blood sugar.

On the other hand, despite the promising research, current clinical evidence for the use of fish oil for the prevention and management of juvenile diabetes is both limited and conflicting. In this article, we will summarize the most recent findings of practical considerations of dietary sources and the potential benefits and mechanisms of fish oil supplementation for the prevention and management of type 1 diabetes.

Does fish oil prevent the onset of juvenile diabetes?

A recently published report shows that omega-3 oils found in fish such as sardines and trout could prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes in children.

The research which involved 1,700 participants found that children who ate food rich in fish oil reduced their risk of developing juvenile diabetes by up to 50%. The research was based on a clinical study that observed kids who were genetically predisposed to developing diabetes.

Researchers observed how the children’s fish oil intake affects the development of ICA (islet cell autoimmunity), which, if progressed, usually precedes the development of juvenile diabetes.

This study suggests there is a link between the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and the development of juvenile diabetes in kids who are genetically predisposed to the conditions.

Is the claim supported by scientific studies?

This study was conducted by researchers from the University of Florida and the University of Colorado, USA, and published in the American Medical Association Journal. The researchers observed children who had a higher risk of developing juvenile diabetes by having a close relative with diabetes or high-risk genes.

They studied whether the kids developed AIC (Islet Cell Autoimmunity) – where the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells – leading to diabetes. They also wanted to learn how the consumption of fish oil affects the risk of developing juvenile diabetes.

A total of 1,770 children were observed over a 12-year study period and the average age at the end of the study was 6.2 years. Their diet was observed from age 2 onwards by assessing what the child eats and whether their diet includes fish oil, specifically omega-3 fatty acids, and how often the child eats food such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc. This helped researchers calculate the total amount of fish oil consumed.

The kids were examined at 9, 15, and 24 months and then on an annual basis thereafter for the development of ICA. The researchers then calculated the risk of developing ICA according to fish oil intake. Factors such as socio-demographic factors, total energy intake, age when introduced to foods such as cereals, and the child’s genetic risk were also taken into consideration.

Results of the study

At the end of the study, 58 children of the 1,770 participants developed ICA. The criteria for Islet Cell Autoimmunity was defined to be a condition whereby 1 of 3 antibodies responsible for attacking insulin-producing cells were present on two consecutive tests.

After taking other contributing factors into account, the researchers found that children who consumed an additional 0.8 grams of fish oil per day had a 55% lower risk of developing Islet Cell Autoimmunity.

When the analysis was limited to the kids who had at least one of the antibodies, they observed that the decrease in risk of developing diabetes was even greater. However, they did not observe any effect of omega-6 fatty acids in reducing the risk of ICA.

Interpretations drawn from the results

The researchers concluded that a higher intake of fish oil, specifically omega-3, is linked to a reduced risk of juvenile diabetes, especially in children who are predisposed to the condition. This has been attributed to omega-3’s anti-inflammatory benefits in the body.

Several modern clinical studies are being conducted to validate this hypothesis, which, if confirmed will make fish oil a mainstay for the prevention of type 1 diabetes. Although these findings are interesting and promising, moderation is extremely important, and consuming excessive amounts of any food should be avoided.

This study also suggests the need for further research into the potential links between fish oil and juvenile diabetes risk.

People who have already been diagnosed with diabetes should not interpret the study and reports to mean that consuming fish oil can cure or help improve diabetes symptoms.

Read about how vitamin D can help juvenile diabetes HERE!