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Omega 3s may lower blood sugar levels “a small amount,” and may lower triglyceride
levels but actually worsen low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (“bad”) cholesterol levels. LDL
increases in the range of five to ten percent have been observed with the intake of
omega-3 essential fatty acids. However, the Natural Standard states that significant
blood sugar effects are “unlikely.”
Although the Natural Standard documents “slight” increases in fasting blood glucose
levels in persons with type II diabetes, it adds that "available scientific evidence suggests
that there are no significant long-term effects of fish oil in patients with diabetes,
including no changes in hemoglobin A1c levels." The Natural Standard discounts reports
of increased insulin needs in persons taking omega-3 supplements. Berkeley Wellness
cites a 2006 review by researchers at Tufts, which, "found that the doses used in most
studies have little or no effect on blood sugar control." On the other hand, Berkeley
cautions that, "in a Norwegian study the next year, very high dosages [six g per day] did
raise blood sugar in people with type II diabetes. The Norwegian researchers suggested
that taking one g of omega-3s a day would have a negligible effect on blood sugar." The
American Heart Association advises that taking more than three g of omega-3s per day
can worsen glucose control in people with diabetes.
With regard to cholesterol and triglycerides, the Natural Standard cautions that omega-
3's may add to the potential triglyceride lowering effect of agents such as niacin but may
work against the potential LDL-lowering properties of agents such as barley, garlic,
guggul, psyllium, soy, or sweet almond.
- SIDE EFFECTS
The FDA classifies low intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids from fish as “generally
regarded as safe." Essentially, the side effects are those of eating fish, which is generally
viewed as presenting a favorable proportion of benefit to justify the risk, except in
people allergic to fish. And the effect of fish and fish oil on the heart and circulatory
system is sufficiently demonstrated that we all need to eat more.
