Higher omega-3 index is associated with increased insulin sensitivity and more favourable metabolic profile in middle-aged overweight men

Abstract

We assessed whether omega-3 index (red blood cell concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) was associated with insulin sensitivity and other metabolic outcomes in 47 overweight men aged 46.5 ± 5.1 years. Participants were assessed twice, 16 weeks apart. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by the Matsuda method from an oral glucose tolerance test. Linear associations were examined; stratified analyses were carried out with participants separated according to the omega-3 index: lower tertiles (LOI; n = 31) and highest tertile (HOI; n = 16). Increasing omega-3 index was correlated with higher insulin sensitivity (r = 0.23; p = 0.025), higher disposition index (r = 0.20; p = 0.054), and lower CRP concentrations (r = −0.39; p < 0.0001). Insulin sensitivity was 43% higher in HOI than in LOI men (Matsuda index 6.83 vs 4.78; p = 0.009). Similarly, HOI men had disposition index that was 70% higher (p = 0.013) and fasting insulin concentrations 25% lower (p = 0.038). HOI men displayed lower nocturnal systolic blood pressure (−6.0 mmHg; p = 0.025) and greater systolic blood pressure dip (14.7 vs 10.8%; p = 0.039). Men in the HOI group also had lower concentrations of CRP (41% lower; p = 0.033) and free fatty acids (21% lower, p = 0.024). In conclusion, higher omega-3 index is associated with increased insulin sensitivity and a more favourable metabolic profile in middle-aged overweight men.

Treatment with high-dose n-3 PUFAs has no effect on platelet function, coagulation, metabolic status or inflammation in patients with atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes

“…Several studies suggested the usefulness of n-3 PUFAs in DM2 prevention [21–23]. Nevertheless, the effect of n-3 PUFAs in those studies might have been stronger due to the lack of DM2 and lower degree of metabolic disturbances as compared to our study.…”

B Cell Activity Is Impaired in Human and Mouse Obesity and Is Responsive to an Essential Fatty Acid upon Murine Influenza Infection

“…There is evidence demonstrating that obese children and adults have low levels of circulating essential fatty acids including DHA, which could then impair many aspects of innate and adaptive immunity (30–33, 60). The reduction in DHA levels in obese subjects could be driven by low consumption of essential fatty acids in the diet and/or potential genetic modifications to key enzymes that metabolize DHA (33). We did not assay for circulating levels of essential fatty acids in this study.…”

“…Essential long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are of interest given their immunomodulatory properties (30). Furthermore, plasma levels of long chain n-3 PUFAs are low in obese individuals compared to lean controls, which could contribute toward impairments in humoral immunity (31–33). The two major long chain n-3 PUFAs of interest are eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids, which can have anti-inflammatory effects but their influence on B-cell activity is far less known (30).…”

Fetal endocannabinoids orchestrate the organization of pancreatic islet microarchitecture

“…Increased dietary intake of ω-3 fatty acids is generally accepted to promote leanness by increasing adaptive hormone release from the endocrine pancreas (46,47). eCBs are derived from arachidonic acid (20:4), an ω-6 PUFA.…”