Omega 3 fatty acid reduces type 1 diabetes

DENVER, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say dietary omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of developing diabetes in children who are genetically at risk for the disease.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found higher consumption of omega-3 fatty acids -- found in fish -- by children at risk for type 1 diabetes decreased by 55 percent the risk of pancreatic islet autoimmunity, which is linked to development of diabetes.

Although it is not yet known what initiates the autoimmune process in diseases such as type 1 diabetes, the study authors believe it is likely that both genetic background and environmental factors such as dietary factors contribute to the disease process.

Jill M. Norris of the University of Colorado at Denver led researchers in examining the diets of 1,770 children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes -- defined as having either a high diabetes risk human leukocyte antigen genotype or a sibling or parent with type 1 diabetes.

Fifty-eight children became positive for leukocyte antigen during follow-up. Adjusting for human leukocyte antigen genotype, family history of type 1 diabetes, caloric intake, and total omega-6 fatty acid intake -- total omega-3 fatty acid intake was inversely associated with islet autoimmunity erythrocyte membranes, the study said.