The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Serum lipoproteins and Apo-proteins Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

One of the most important causes of death in type 2 diabetic patients is atherosclerosis. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease plasma triglyceride levels, but there is concern on their effect to increase LDL-C and Apo B levels. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Omega-3 fatty acids on lipoproteins, Apo B and Apo A in type 2 diabetic patients. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 81 type 2 diabetic patients (41 subjects in the treatment group and 40 subjects in the control) took three (Omega-3 or placebo) capsules per day for two months; overall, the Omega-3 supplement contained 2714mg Omega-3 (in the treatment group) and the placebo contained 2100 mg sunflower oil (in the controls). Data on height, weight and food consumption, based on 24h food recall, were collected, and a fasting blood sample was taken at baseline and at the end of the study to measure the lipid profiles. Differences between the two groups were tested by independent sample T-test. Differences within a group were analyzed by paired sample T-test. Mean age, weight, body mass index (BMI), energy and nutrient intakes, and biochemical variables were not significantly different between the two groups at baseline. The two-month supplementation led to statistically significant decreases in the serum levels of Apo B, triglyceride and TG: HDL-C in the treatment group (P=0.00). There were no significant changes in other variables. Consumption of Omega-3 fatty acid supplement for two months can bring about decreases in the serum contents of Apo B, TG and the TG: HDL-C ratio in type 2 diabetic patients.