Effect of omega‐3 fatty acid intake on C‐reactive proteins in African and Haitian Americans with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

ObjectiveC‐reactive protein (CRP) has been considered independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to assess the relationships among ethnicity, omega‐3 fatty acid intake (n‐3) and CRP level.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of N=410 African (AA) (n=172) and Haitian (HA) Americans (n=238) with and without type 2 diabetes recruited from Miami‐Dade and Broward counties in Florida, USA using mailing lists and community outreach. Sociodemographics, anthropometrics and blood samples were collected after participants signed informed consent. All dietary variables were collected using a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire.ResultsA two‐way interaction of n‐3 intake and ethnicity was significant for CRP [Model: χ 2 (10) = 66.8 (N=406) p < .001]. AA with low n‐3 intake were more likely to have high CRP (≥ 3 mg/L) than those with high n‐3 intake (>; 2.0 g/day) [OR = 3.17 (1.10, 9.10) p =.031]. Ethnicity (p = .249) and n‐3 intake by diabetes status (p = .132) did not explain CRP.ConclusionFuture studies are needed to determine the effect of n‐ 3 intake on lowering CRP by ethnicity and diabetes status. Funding was provided by an NIH/NIDDK grant.