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Early Intake of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Islet Autoimmunity During Childhood

Dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids after age 1 year reduced the risk for islet cell autoimmunity.

A prior retrospective study suggested that cod liver oil, which contains marine omega-3 fatty acids, reduces risk for type 1 diabetes. To determine if polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with the development of islet autoimmunity (IA), researchers in Colorado tested, at least annually, 1770 children at genetic risk for developing type 1 diabetes for onset of IA and assessed dietary fatty acid intake every year after age 1 year.

At a mean age of 6.2 years, 58 children had developed IA (positive for at least 1 of 3 autoantibodies). In analyses adjusted for known risk factors, intake of total omega-3 fatty acid was inversely associated with risk for IA (hazard ratio, 0.45; P=0.04). Total omega-6 fatty acid, marine fatty acid, and vitamin D intake did not reduce risk for IA. When two or more antibodies were used as an endpoint, the inverse association between omega-3 intake and IA was even stronger (HR, 0.23; P=0.002). In a nested cohort study of 214 children for whom erythrocyte samples were assembled, higher erythrocyte membrane content of omega-3 fatty acid was significantly associated with decreased risk for IA (HR, 0.63).

Comment: The development of islet autoantibodies precedes the onset of diabetes, and these findings suggest that dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids after age 1 year reduces this risk before age 6. When the protective effect begins and how long it lasts are unknown. Nonetheless, recommending a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids early in life for children at risk for diabetes seems reasonable.

— F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Published in Journal Watch Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine October 24, 2007

Citation(s):

Norris JM et al. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and islet autoimmunity in children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes. JAMA 2007 Sep 26; 298:1420.

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