Open AccessAssociation between omega‐3 fatty acids consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes: A meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Author(s) -
Chen Cai,
Yang Yan,
Yu Xuefeng,
Hu Shuhong,
Shao Shiying
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of diabetes investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.089
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 2040-1124
pISSN - 2040-1116
DOI - 10.1111/jdi.12614
Subject(s) - medicine , diabetes mellitus , type 2 diabetes , relative risk , meta analysis , prospective cohort study , omega , cohort study , gastroenterology , endocrinology , confidence interval , physics , quantum mechanics
Abstract Aims/Introduction Epidemiological evidence for the effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on the risk of type 2 diabetes is controversial. A meta‐analysis based on prospective cohorts was carried out to evaluate this issue. Materials and Methods Pooled diabetic risk was calculated using a fixed or random effects model. The dose–response relationship was assessed by meta‐regression analysis. Results The study showed that consumption of single omega‐3 was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (relative risk [ RR ] = 1.45, P < 0.001); whereas the RR for mixed omega‐3 was statistically insignificant. The dose–response curve presented an inverted U‐shape of diabetes risk corresponding to the dose of omega‐3 consumption. Subanalysis showed that omega‐3 was inversely associated with type 2 diabetes risk in Asians ( RR = 0.82, P < 0.001); whereas the risk was increased in Westerners ( RR = 1.30, P < 0.001). Studies with follow‐up duration ≥16 years and baseline age ≥54 years showed a positive association between type 2 diabetes risk and omega‐3 intake. Conclusions The present findings suggest that dosage and composition of omega‐3, ethnicity, trial duration, and age could influence the effect of omega‐3 on type 2 diabetes progression.