Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and insulin sensitivity: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

• Published in: Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) Scotland), 2011-12, Vol.30 (6), p.702-707
• Main Authors: Akinkuolie, Akintunde O, Ngwa, Julius S, Meigs, James B, Djoussé, Luc
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Diabetes; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - administration & dosage; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - metabolism; Feeding. Feeding behavior; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Glucose - metabolism; Humans; Insulin Resistance - physiology; Insulin sensitivity; Meta-analysis; Metabolic Syndrome - diet therapy; Metabolic Syndrome - metabolism; Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; Randomized controlled trials; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
• ISSN: 0261-5614; 1532-1983
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2011.08.013

Summary Background &aim n-3 PUFA has been shown to decrease the risk of several components of the metabolic syndrome; however, the role of n-3 PUFA on glucose metabolism is not clear. Our aim was to systematically review the effect of n-3 PUFA on IS by conducting a meta-analysis of available RCTs. Methods We followed the guidelines of Cochrane’s review of systematic interventions. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and clinicaltrials.gov from the beginning of each database until October 2010. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to estimate a pooled SMD and the corresponding 95% CI. Results From 303 screened citations, 11 RCTs ( n  = 618) were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. In a pooled estimate, n-3 PUFA intervention had no effects on IS compared to placebo (SMD 0.08, 95% CI −0.11–0.28). Similarly, n-3 PUFA had no effects on IS in sub-group analyses (Type 2 diabetes vs. other population; QUICKI and other test subgroups). In the HOMA subgroup, n-3 PUFA was associated with a statistically significant increase in IS (SMD 0.30, CI 0.03–0.58) when compared to placebo. Conclusion This meta-analysis is consistent with a lack of n-3 PUFA effects on IS.