Dietary ω-3 fatty acid and ω-3: ω-6 fatty acid ratio predict improvement in glucose disturbances in Japanese Brazilians

Abstract

Objective We investigated whether lifestyle-induced changes in dietary fat quality are related to improvements on glucose metabolism disturbances in Japanese Brazilians at high risk of type 2 diabetes. Methods One hundred forty-eight first- and second-generation subjects with impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glycemia who attended a lifestyle intervention program for 12 mo were studied in the city of Bauru, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Dietary fatty acid intakes at baseline and after 12 mo were estimated using three 24-h recalls. The effect of dietary fat intake on glucose metabolism was investigated by multiple logistic regression models. Results At baseline, mean ± standard deviation age and body mass index were 60 ± 11 y and 25.5 ± 4.2 kg/m 2, respectively. After 12 mo, 92 subjects had normal plasma glucose levels and 56 remained in prediabetic conditions. Using logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, generation, basal intake of explanatory nutrient, energy intake, physical activity, and waist circumference, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for reversion to normoglycemia were 3.14 (1.22–8.10) in the second tertile of total ω-3 fatty acid, 4.26 (1.34–13.57) in the second tertile of eicosapentaenoic acid, and 2.80 (1.10–7.10) in the second tertile of linolenic acid. Similarly, subjects in the highest tertile of ω-3:ω-6 fatty acid ratio showed a higher chance of improving glucose disturbances (2.51, 1.01–6.37). Conclusions Our findings support the evidence of an independent protective effect of ω-3 fatty acid and of a higher ω-3:ω-6 fatty acid ratio on the glucose metabolism of high-risk individuals.