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Published on: November 16, 2011
Omega-3 index, obesity and insulin resistance in children
T Burrows1, C E Collins, M L Garg
1School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, NSW, Australia. Tracy.burrows@newcastle.edu.au
Insights
Obese children have lower omega-3 index levels, increasing their risk for insulin resistance. This highlights omega-3 fatty acids
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Adult studies suggest omega-3 fatty acids correlate with weight and abdominal adiposity.
- Limited research exists on omega-3s, weight status, and insulin resistance in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the omega-3 index, weight status, and insulin resistance in school-aged children.
- To assess erythrocyte fatty acid composition in relation to obesity and insulin resistance.
Main Methods:
- Studied school-age children (5-12 years) categorized as non-obese or obese using BMI z-scores.
- Assessed dietary fat intake via a food frequency questionnaire.
- Determined erythrocyte fatty acid composition and calculated the Omega-3 index (O3I).
Main Results:
- Obese children exhibited altered erythrocyte fatty acid profiles, independent of dietary intake.
- A higher percentage of obese children (33%) had a low Omega-3 index (<4.0) compared to non-obese children (17%).
- Significant negative correlations were observed between the Omega-3 index and fasting insulin levels (r = -0.3, P = 0.03) and HOMA scores (r = -0.3, P = 0.04).
Conclusions:
- The omega-3 index is associated with weight status and insulin resistance in children.
- Adequate omega-3 levels may play a role in preventing obesity-related chronic diseases.
- Further research with larger cohorts of obese children is warranted to confirm these findings.
Objectives:
Recent studies in adults have suggested that the plasma level of omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with weight status and abdominal adiposity, limited studies exist in paediatric populations. The present study examined the relationship between the omega-3 index, weight status and insulin resistance in children.
Methods:
School-age children between 5-12 years, classified as non-obese or obese on the basis of body mass index (BMI) z-scores, were examined. Fat intake was assessed using a parent reported 135-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Erythrocyte fatty acid composition was determined using gas chromatography. The Omega-3 index (O3I) was calculated by adding eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid % (weight/weight) values.
Results:
Obese children had altered erythrocyte fatty acid composition unrelated to reported dietary intake. A greater proportion of obese (BMI z-score > 2.25) children (33%) had an omega-3 index of < 4.0 (high risk) compared with non-obese children (BMI z-score < 2.25) (17%). Simultaneously, the number of children with a higher omega-3 index (6.0-8.0 lower risk) was lower in the obese (13%) versus non-obese children (25%, respectively). A moderate, but statistically significant correlation was found between O3I and fasting insulin level (r = -0.3, P = 0.03) and with homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) scores (r = -0.3, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION; The observed association between the omega-3 index, weight status and insulin resistance in children highlights the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of obesity-related chronic diseases in later life. The results presented merits confirmation in a larger sample of obese children.
