Possible Interaction: Fatty Acids, Omega-3 and Insulin

“Rats fed high levels of omega-3 fatty acids showed reduced net protein degradation in the presence and absence of insulin due to decreased rates of protein degradation and synthesis.”

“Recent evidence suggests that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [n-3 PUFAs: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)], improve insulin sensitivity in humans.”

“Additionally, the administration of omega-3 resulted in significantly greater changes (Diff) for the intervention group in various parameters, such as insulin and Quicki indices compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05).”

“ Omega-3 fatty acids significantly increased serum levels of adiponectin (p=0.003) and decreased glucose (p<0.001), insulin (p=0.002), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (p<0.001), total cholesterol (p=0.002) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.003) compared with placebo.”

“Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acids improved insulin sensitivity in PCOS patients.”

“ Omega-3 fatty acids significantly decreased glucose (by 11.4%, p < 0.001), insulin (by 8.4%, p < 0.05), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (by 21.8%, p < 0.001) compared with placebo.”

“At gel shift assays, DHA reverted insulin-induced basal and oxLDL-stimulated transactivation of PPRE and DNA binding of PPARα/γ and NF-κB. In conclusion, omega-3 fatty acids blunt the increased CD36 expression and activity promoted by high concentrations of insulin.”

“Neither the basal muscle protein fractional synthesis …-3PUFA supplementation, but the anabolic response to insulin … LCn-3PUFA [i.e. the muscle protein fractional synthesis rate during insulin and amino acid infusion increased from … the phospho-mTOR (Ser2448) and phospho-p70S6K (Thr389) levels increased by ∼50%; all P<0.05].”

“ Insulin sensitivity increased significantly after 8 weeks on the omega-3 diet and FFA responses trended lower.”

“We conclude that, in older people, high omega-3 consumption increases insulin sensitivity, may reduce FFA mobilization by catecholamines, and reduces inflammatory markers, but did not alter endocrine responsiveness after 8 weeks.”

“We conclude that in NIDDs dietary supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids improves in vivo insulin sensitivity and lowers plasma triglyceride levels, while erythrocyte membrane fluidity remains unaltered.”

“Augmented insulin secretion and increased insulin sensitivity induced by chronic omega 3 fatty acid ingestion would positively influence carbohydrate metabolism and improve glucose homeostasis.”