Advocacy » Health news » Omega-3 prevents childhood diabetes
April 12, 2009
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that kills
insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. There are many theories about
its cause but no real treatment. 1770 infants at risk - by genetic testing or a sibling with
the disease - were identified at the age of two. Their intake of
omega-3 was estimated based on annual questionnaires and measured in
blood. Those who got the most omega-3 were up to 77% less likely to
develop the disease. Omega-3 is found in salmon and other cold-water fish. The
fats in flax and the omega-3-enriched foods are mostly useless. Salba
and krill are good vegetarian sources. Research suggest that vitamin D
in pregnancy prevents diabetes, and some suggest it is related to
infection in pregnancy.
J Am Med Assoc 2007;298:1420.