Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Abstract Background Omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) are polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from fish oil. Beneficial effects of O3FA supplementation in a wide range of disease condition have been well studied. However; the role of O3FA in management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) remains unclear and controversial. Objectives Therefore, we performed a randomized-controlled trial to assess the effect of oral O3FAssupplementation on glycemic control and lipid profile in pediatric patients with T1DM. Methods This study included 70 children and adolescents with T1DM. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups; intervention group and received oral O3FAs capsules (1 gram daily). The other group did not receive any supplementation and served as a control group. Both groups were followed-up for 6 months with assessment of fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c and fasting lipids. Results Supplementation with O3FAs was safe and well-tolerated. After 6 months, O3FAs adjuvant therapy for the intervention group resulted in a significant decrease of systolic blood pressure, insulin dose, FBG, HbA1c, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol compared with baseline levels and compared with the control group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, T1DM patients without O3FAs adjuvant therapy (control group) had higher blood glucose levels and HbA1c at study end compared with baseline levels (p < 0.001). Conclusions O3FAs as an adjuvant therapy to insulin improved blood glucose levels, glycemic control and dyslipidemia leading to reduction in insulin dose in pediatric patients with T1DM.