Omega‐3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Does Not Alter Insulin Sensitivity or Serum Adiponectin in Healthy Hispanic Women

Abstract

Data from cell culture and animal models have shown that omega‐3 (Ω‐3) fatty acids can improve insulin and adiponectin action, but human studies are much less conclusive.PURPOSEA 90‐d Ω‐3 supplementation trial was conducted in Hispanic women.METHODS23 women ([mean ±SE] age: 36±3 y, BMI: 30.6±1.2 kg/m2, BF: 46.7±1.1 %) were randomly assigned to placebo (olive oil, 2000 mg/d, n=8) or the Ω‐3 (1294 g EPA/d + 506 g DHA/d, n=15) group. Insulin sensitivity was determined using the euglycemic‐hyperinsulinemic clamp at 0 and 90 days. Total and HMW adiponectin were determined at 0, 30, 60, and 90 days.RESULTSInsulin sensitivity (mg GLU/kg FFM/min) was unchanged in both the placebo (12.4±1.6 to 12.2±1.2) and Ω‐3 (11.0±1.4 to 12.0±1.4) groups after 90‐d. The placebo group had significantly decreased total adiponectin at 60‐d and 90‐d compared to 30‐d (data not shown), and there was no change in total adiponectin in the Ω‐3 group. HMW adiponectin significantly decreased from 30‐d to 90‐d in the placebo group (3.6±0.4 to 3.1±0.4 μg/mL). Conversely, HMW adiponectin increased from 0‐d to 60‐d (2.6±0.3 to 2.9±0.4 μg/mL) in the Ω‐3 group.DISCUSSIONThese data demonstrate that Ω‐3 FA supplementation in Hispanic women does not significantly influence insulin sensitivity or total adiponectin; yet there are modest effects on HMW adiponectin.Funded by the USDA – Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station