EFFECTS OF OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTIOXIDANT VITAMINS IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE CHILDREN

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Metabolic Health
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Obesity is linked to metabolic disturbances, including altered mineral levels and insulin resistance.
• Antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids show potential protective effects in obesity management.
• Obese children often exhibit deficiencies in essential minerals and vitamins, impacting metabolic health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of Omega-3 fatty acids combined with antioxidant vitamins on metabolic parameters in obese children.
• To assess changes in magnesemia, calcemia, and other metabolic markers before and after supplementation.
• To evaluate the effect of the intervention on insulin sensitivity and adipocytokine profiles.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 60 obese children and 35 normal-weight controls.
• Obese children received a daily supplement containing docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and vitamins A, D, E, and C for three months.
• Participants maintained their regular lifestyle throughout the study period.

Main Results:

• Obese children presented lower serum levels of minerals and vitamin D, higher insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and adipocytokine imbalance.
• Supplementation significantly improved serum mineral levels (calcemia and magnesemia), insulin sensitivity, and adipocytokine profiles.
• Body mass index showed negative correlations with calcemia and serum 25(OH) vitamin D in obese children.

Conclusions:

• A three-month supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins effectively improved calcemia and magnesemia in obese children.
• The intervention led to enhanced insulin sensitivity and a more balanced adipocytokine profile in the pediatric obese population.
• This combined nutritional approach demonstrates therapeutic potential for addressing metabolic complications associated with childhood obesity.