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Omega-3 supplementation and diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Felipe Mendes Delpino, Lílian Munhoz Figueiredo, Bruna Gonçalves Cordeiro da Silva, Taiciane Gonçalves da Silva, Gicele Costa Mintem, Renata Moraes Bielemann, Denise Petrucci Gigante

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2021

20 participants · 78 citations

Abstract

This study aimed to review the literature on studies that evaluated the effects of omega-3 supplementation on parameters of diabetes in humans. An online search was conducted in the following databases: Pubmed, LILACS, Scielo, Scopus, and Web of Science. It included experimental studies that investigated the effects of omega-3 supplementation for diabetes treatment or prevention and its relationship with fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and glycated hemoglobin. Observational, non-human studies and non-randomized clinical trials were excluded. The Cochrane scale assessed the quality of the studies. A meta-analysis was carried out to evaluate the effect of omega-3 on fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and glycated hemoglobin. Thirty studies were included in the review. Almost 70% (n = 20) demonstrated at least one significant effect of the omega-3 supplementation related to diabetes. In the meta-analysis, there was a significant effect on the reduction of fasting blood glucose [SMD: −0.48; CI95%: −0.76, −0.19; p = 0.01; I2 = 88%] and insulin resistance [SMD: −0.61; CI95%: −0.98, −0.24; p = 0.01; I2 = 90%]. For glycated hemoglobin, there was no significant effect in the meta-analysis. This systematic review with meta-analysis demonstrated that supplementation with omega-3 has protective effects on diabetes parameters.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 20 participants or records.

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