Introduction
The purpose of this study was to
examine the effects of omega-3 LCPUFA supplementation to obese
adolescents on skeletal muscle lipids and glucose and insulin homeostasis. Obese adolescents have higher concentrations of
saturated fatty acids and low omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated
fatty acids (LCUFAs) in their plasma phospholipids.
Method
The methods of this study had
twenty-five obese adolescents (14-17 years old, with 14 females)
complete a randomized double-blind crossover study supplying capsules
containing either 1.2g omega-3 LCPUFAs or a placebo, for 3 months
each with a six-week washout period. The participant's fasting blood
glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and lipids were measured. The
results were concluded from a Intravenous glucose tolerance test
(IVGTT) and euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp were performed, and
skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained at the end of each period.
Results
The study yielded results with
concentrations of EPA, DHA, and total omega-3 PUFA in muscle
phospholipids increased in both sexes. In the females, omega-3 LCPUFA
supplementation improved glucose tolerance by 39% and restored
insulin concentration by 34% during IVGTT. Insulin sensitivity
improved 17%. In males, none of these parameters was influenced by
omega-3 supplementation. Thus, three months of supplementation of
omega-3 LCPUFA improved glucose and insulin homeostasis in obese
girls without influencing body weight.
Commentary
I think that this study was a success
because it set out to figure if supplements of essential fatty acids
to obese adolescents had any positive effects and the results
concluded that the supplements did indeed influence glucose and insulin homeostasis by improving it in obese girls without changing their
body weights, although the results concluded with no change in males.
I think these results are very important to leading the research to
figure out how to improve insulin homeostasis in males in the future.
This research can now be used to influence doctors and nutritionists
to promote and advocate omega-3 supplements for obese women trying to
improve their glucose and insulin homeostasis as well as total
omega-3's in muscle phospholipids.
Citations
Dangardt, Frida, Yun Chen, Eva
Gronowitz, Jovanna Dahlgren, Peter Friberg, and Birgitta Strandvik.
"High Physiological Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Affects
Muscle Fatty Acid Composition and Glucose and Insulin Homeostasis in
Obese Adolescents."Hindawi Publishing Corporation. N.p., n.d.
Web. 10 Nov. 2012.
<http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnume/2012/395757/>
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