Study Reveals the Impact of Omega-3 Supplements on Blood Sugar Levels

Recent scientific reports have highlighted mixed findings regarding the ability of omega-3 supplements, derived from fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and certain shellfish, to regulate blood sugar levels. This issue is of particular concern given the strong link between diabetes and serious complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nervous system.

According to the website Verywell Health, the daily effect of these supplements has not yet been conclusively established by science. Research indicates that their effectiveness may be very limited or even unnoticeable in many cases.

In a comprehensive scientific review published in the journal Current Nutrition Reports, adults with different types of diabetes — including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes — were given varying doses over periods ranging from six weeks to one year. The results showed a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels in some patients, while no change was observed in others.

Researchers attributed these inconsistent outcomes to several key factors, including differences in participants’ ages, the duration of the disease, sample size, length of the trials, and variations in the omega-3 dosages used.

In light of these discrepancies and the lack of definitive evidence, the American Diabetes Association does not include fish oil supplements as a primary treatment option for patients, nor does it recommend their use for individuals with prediabetes.

Nevertheless, omega-3 fatty acids continue to offer added benefits for cardiovascular health, particularly for people with diabetes who have high cholesterol levels or other cardiovascular risk factors.