By IANS
New York : Early research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids present in fish like salmon may help prevent type-1 diabetes, which usually occurs in childhood or adolescence.
A new study conducted by Norwegian researchers included 1,770 children, to suggest the protective role of omega-3 fatty acids in type-1 diabetes.
The study confirmed that children who reportedly had higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids had less evidence of the ‘auto-antibodies’ associated with the progression of type-1 diabetes, reported the online edition of health magazine WebMD.
Type-1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes. It is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin, resulting in an abnormally high blood sugar level. A child suffering from the disease requires daily insulin injections for survival.
Previous research suggested that omega-3 fats, which are also found in mackerel and fresh tuna, might help cut the risk of cancer and heart disease.
The researchers studied children from birth to age three, who are at increased risk of developing type-1 diabetes, and monitored them for six years.
These children either had a parent or sibling with type-1 diabetes or had genetic tests that showed increased risk.
Red blood cells (RBC) from 244 children in the study were also tested for fatty acid composition to confirm the findings.
Omega-3 intake was determined through annual food-frequency questionnaires. Among other things, parents were asked how often their children ate canned tuna and oily fish like salmon or mackerel. They were also asked about the oil they used for cooking.
Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fats may help keep high-risk children from developing type-1 diabetes, the new research that appeared in the Sep 27 issue of the journal of the American medical association suggests.
Oily fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are among the best sources of omega-3. Dark green vegetables, canola, sunflower and flaxseed oil are also good sources of omega-3.
Omega-3 fats have anti-inflammatory properties, and inflammation is believed to play a major role in the development of type-1 diabetes through destruction of the insulin-producing cells, the researchers said.
In adults, omega-3 rich diets are believed to lower cardiovascular risk, and in babies the fatty acid is believed to boost brain development.
However, the researchers said the study was preliminary and they really could not make dietary recommendations based on the findings.