Omega-3s May Lower the Risk of Diabetes, Heart Disease

High levels of the hormone adiponectin have been associated with lower risk of both type-2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. A recent study from Harvard suggests that taking supplements of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may raise blood levels of adiponectin.

Fourteen trials were included in this meta-analysis, with a total of 682 participants who took omega-3 supplements and 641 who took a placebo. The researchers found that adiponectin levels in the omega-3 group increased by 0.37 ug/mL.

The results differed from trial to trial, however, suggesting that different demographic groups may react differently to fish oil supplementation.

Previous studies had shown that fish oil increased blood levels of adiponectin in animals. This is the first study to show that it also raises levels in humans.

The study was published online ahead of print on May 23, 2013, in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Omega-3s have been linked to a number of health benefits, including alleviating arthritis pain, better moods, improved joint mobility, helping with age related macular degeneration, and aiding your immune system.

Because omega-3 fatty-acids are not found naturally in the human body, it is especially important to make sure that they are a part of your daily diet. Oily, dark fish such as tuna and salmon are high in DHA and EPA omega-3s, while ALA omega-3 fatty-acids are plant derived and can be found in flaxseed oil, vegetable oil, and walnuts.