Fish Oil and Diabetes

Omega-3 fatty acids have been increasingly recognized for their nutritional and therapeutic benefits in the prevention of heart disease, especially among high-risk populations.

Omega 3 fatty acids originate from deep-sea fish body oils, which are high in fatty acids. Many studies have reported their ability to improve cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, blood vessel and platelet function as well as to lower blood pressure. However, it has been brought to attention recently that fish oil may actually worsen the conditions of diabetic patients. Herein lies the tricky situation -- Type 2 diabetic patients tend to be at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and high cholesterol, which are precisely the conditions that fish oils are able to improve.

A study was then conducted on a group of diabetic patients using purified EPA and DHA (fatty acids found in fish oil) to determine how fish oil affects them. Over six weeks, these patients were given 4 grams per day of EPA, DHA or olive oil in addition to their regular diets. The results showed that compared with the olive oil, the EPA and DHA increased their blood sugar levels without a corresponding increase in insulin levels.

The researchers thus concluded that the liver increased its production of glucose in the process of breaking down the increased levels EPA and DHA oils.

Anti-Aging Perspective:

The recommended amount of EPA/DHA for optimum health is about 2 grams per day. If you are taking the regular 1,000 mg fish oil tablets that contain 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA, you will need to take about 5 such softgels a day.

It is important to note that manufacturers and suppliers of fish oil supplements sometimes double the recommended amount. In such cases, you will only have to take about 2.5 capsules a day. If you have a specific health concern, then a much higher dose may be needed. Some clinicians are using 5 to 9 grams of EPA/DHA a day for cardiovascular disease and auto-immune conditions.

If you were to develop a fishy burp, then you should consider flaxseed oil as a substitute.

Taking 4 oz of Atlantic salmon will provide about 2.5 grams of EPA/DHA (Pacific salmon contains half that amount). As such, we should take fish everyday to maintain optimal health.

However, diabetic patients are advised to take fish oil with caution.