Association between omega‐3 fatty acids consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes: A meta‐analysis of cohort studies

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.