Author/Authors :
Djalali, Mahmoud Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry - School of Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran , Pooya, Shabnam Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry - School of Health - TUMS, Tehran , Djazayeri, Abolghasem Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry - School of Health - TUMS, Tehran , Eshraghian, Mohammadreza Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry - School of Health - TUMS, Tehran , Turang, Fatemeh Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry - School of Health - TUMS, Tehran , Ramezani, Fatemeh Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry - School of Health - TUMS, Tehran
Abstract :
INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is regarded as serious condition for both the individual and the society.
Its rapidly increasing global prevalence is a significant cause for concern. One of the most
important reasons of mortality in diabetic patients is atherosclerosis. Many epidemiologic studies
have shown that the total homocysteine concentration is a risk indicator for cardiovascular
disease. Studies have shown that its concentration is increased considerably in diabetes mellitus.
Epidemiological data indicate that the consumption of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids (n-
3FA) leads to a reduction in cardiovascular disorders and may protect against metabolic diseases.
In recent years, many have studied omega-3 fatty acids but still, it cannot be used as an additive.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ω3 on homocysteine in type 2 diabetic patients.
METHODS: A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted on 80
type 2 diabetic patients aged 45-85 years with diabetes for at least 2 years. Anthropometric indices
including body mass index (BMI) and medical history were obtained. Diabetic patients
were randomly assigned to either the case or the control group. Each subject received 3 capsules
per day (omega-3 or placebo) for a period of 2 months. A sample of 10 ml blood was collected
from each subject at the beginning and at the end of the study. Serum homocysteine was measured
by Hitachi autoanalyzer with the Enzymatic Cycling method. Nutrient intake was estimated
using 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the trial for 2 days
and analyzed by FPII. T-test was also used to compare the groups.
RESULTS: Comparison of mean ± SD (standard deviation) of BMI and food intake did not
show any difference between the case and control groups. homocysteine levels were
3.10 8mol/lit and 0.126 8mol/lit in the case and control groups, respectively, and the difference
was significant.
CONCLUSION: Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation (3 g/per day) in the form of capsules can
decrease homocysteine content in diabetic patients.
