Children whose intake of omega-3 fatty acids is high can reduce their chance of developing type 1 diabetes, even if their genetic makeup means they are at increased risk of the disease.
The researchers found that children who had a high intake of the fatty acid were less likely to have pancreatic islet autoimmunity (IA), which is linked to the development of diabetes.
A study of 1,770 children, all of whom were at increased risk for type 1 diabetes, revealed that children who consumed plenty of omega-3, either in dietary or supplement form, were 55 per cent less likely to develop diabetes.
The authors of the study, published in JAMA, noted that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that is probably caused by a combination of genetic background and environmental factors.
They concluded: "Our study suggests that higher consumption of total omega-3 fatty acids … is associated with a lower risk of IA in children at increased genetic risk of type 1 diabetes."
Children whose intake of omega-3 fatty acids is high can reduce their chance of developing type 1 diabetes, even if their genetic makeup means they are at increased risk of the disease.
