PUFAs Beneficial to Adipose Tissue

PARIS—Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) may help reduce adiposity in type 2 diabetics, according to a study from France (Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;86(6):1670-79). In a random, double blind study, 27 women with type 2 diabetes and no hypertriglyceridemia were given 3 g/d of either fish oil (1.8 g n-3 PUFAs) or placebo (paraffin oil) for a duration of two months. At the conclusion of the study, body weight and energy intake were unchanged in both groups; however, total fat mass and subcutaneous adipocyte diameter were lowered in the fish oil group. Insulin sensitivity was not significantly different between the two groups; however, plasma triacylglycerol, the ratio of triacylglycerol to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor were lower in the fish oil group. These results suggest a moderate dose of n-3 PUFAs may reduce adiposity and atherogenic markers in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

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