n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and insulin secretion
- X Wang, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2R3, Canada
- C Chan, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Correspondence: Catherine Chan, Email: cbchan{at}ualberta.ca
Abstract
n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are a subgroup of fatty acids with broad health benefits, such as lowering blood triglycerides and decreasing the risk of some types of cancer. A beneficial effect of n-3 PUFA in diabetes is suggested by some studies. Defective insulin secretion is a fundamental pathophysiological change in both type 1 and 2 diabetes. Emerging studies have provided evidence for a connection between n-3 PUFA and improved insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. This review summarizes the recent findings in this regard and discusses the potential mechanisms by which n-3 PUFA influence insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells.
- Received 28 October 2014
- Received in final form 28 November 2014
- Accepted 8 December 2014
- Accepted Preprint first posted online on 8 December 2014
