Omega-6 Fat Associated with Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome
Bottomline: Results from the first-ever study on people with metabolic syndrome, showed that insulin resistance is independently associated with higher omega-6 fat levels. Conversely, omega-3 levels are protective. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 2009.19(4): 264-270.
Background: Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of symptoms including three out of the five following characteristics: elevated triglycerides, low HDL-cholesterol, elevated glucose, abdominal obesity, and high blood pressure. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Previous studies have shown that people with elevated levels of omega-6 fatty acids and saturated fatty acids are at higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Animal studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, may prevent the development of insulin resistance. But studies on people have yielded conflicting results.
Study: This is the first study to evaluate the relationship between plasma omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids to insulin resistance, independently of other known factors in patients with metabolic syndrome and underlying heart disease.
A total of 734 people enrolled in a secondary CHD prospective cohort study were evaluated for metabolic syndrome, fatty acid plasma profiles, insulin resistance and clinical parameters.
The key findings:
Link to Study:
A. Nigam, N. Frasure-Smith, F. Lespérance, P. Julien
Relationship between n-3 and n-6 plasma fatty acid levels and insulin resistance in coronary patients with and without metabolic syndrome. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 2009.19(4): 264-270.[abstract].
Background: Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of symptoms including three out of the five following characteristics: elevated triglycerides, low HDL-cholesterol, elevated glucose, abdominal obesity, and high blood pressure. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Previous studies have shown that people with elevated levels of omega-6 fatty acids and saturated fatty acids are at higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Animal studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, may prevent the development of insulin resistance. But studies on people have yielded conflicting results.
Study: This is the first study to evaluate the relationship between plasma omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids to insulin resistance, independently of other known factors in patients with metabolic syndrome and underlying heart disease.
A total of 734 people enrolled in a secondary CHD prospective cohort study were evaluated for metabolic syndrome, fatty acid plasma profiles, insulin resistance and clinical parameters.
The key findings:
- People with metabolic syndrome have higher plasma levels of saturated fats and omega-6 plasma fatty acids.
- The relationships between omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids levels in patients with metabolic syndrome were independent of other factors associated with metabolic syndrome andinsulin resistance (waist circumference, HDL-cholesterol, gender, age,triglycerides, saturated fats and blood pressure.)
- A higher ratio of plasma omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids was associated with insulin resistance only in patients with metabolic syndrome.
- Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids had opposing effects on insulin resistance. EPA was associated with better glucose balance, while omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids were associated with elevated insulin resistance.
Link to Study:
A. Nigam, N. Frasure-Smith, F. Lespérance, P. Julien
Relationship between n-3 and n-6 plasma fatty acid levels and insulin resistance in coronary patients with and without metabolic syndrome. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 2009.19(4): 264-270.[abstract].
Posted by Evelyn Tribole MSRD at August 5, 2009 12:00 AM 
Categories: EPA,DHA,Diabetes,Insulin Resistance,Obesity,omega-6/omega-3 Ratio,2009 Studies,polyunsaturated fatty acids,Biomarkers,Cardiovascular,Metabolic Syndrome,Abstract
Categories: EPA,DHA,Diabetes,Insulin Resistance,Obesity,omega-6/omega-3 Ratio,2009 Studies,polyunsaturated fatty acids,Biomarkers,Cardiovascular,Metabolic Syndrome,Abstract
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