Omega-3 supplementation may protect against premature death in diabetes population

Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with lower all-cause mortality in individuals with diabetes, as reported in a study.

The prospective cohort study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2014) and included 4,854 participants with diabetes (mean age 57.92 years, 50.9 percent men). All participants completed 24-hour dietary recall interviews.

Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid intake was measured and used as alternative markers of omega-3 fatty acids intake. Mortality data were determined by linkage to National Death Index records.

Participants with a higher EPA plus DHA intake were more likely to be non-Hispanic Black, have obesity, and have higher daily energy intake and family income compared with those with a lower EPA plus DHA intake.

Over 34,386 person-years of follow-up, 1,102 deaths were recorded, including 266 cardiovascular disease deaths and 152 cancer deaths. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic spline analyses showed that higher EPA plus DHA intake was associated with a significant 25-percent reduction in all-cause mortality.

Despite the need for more studies to establish the beneficial effect of omega-3 supplementation in people with diabetes, the findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may prevent premature death in this population and support the dietary recommendations advocating the role of omega-3 in maintaining an overall lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and premature deaths.