Key Takeaways
- There is insufficient scientific evidence that daily omega-3 supplementation lowers blood sugar (glucose) levels.
- An elevated blood sugar level is a hallmark feature of diabetes, a lifelong condition that is typically managed with a combination of medication, nutrition therapy, and physical activity.
- If you are considering taking an omega-3 supplement, speak with your healthcare provider first to avoid medication interactions.
Omega-3 supplements, also called fish oil supplements, contain a type of fat found in shellfish and cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna.1 Results from scientific studies on whether taking a daily omega-3 supplement impacts blood sugar (glucose) levels are mixed, with emerging evidence leaning towards minimal to no effect.2
Omega-3’s Inconsistent Effect on Blood Sugar
Elevated blood sugar levels due to defects in insulin production or action are characteristic of diabetes.3 Without careful management, diabetes can lead to serious complications involving the eyes, kidneys, heart, and nerves.
Due to the seriousness and chronicity of diabetes, scientists have launched an extensive and ongoing investigation into the potential role of supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids, in both preventing diabetes and serving as an adjunct to traditional diabetes medications.
Despite substantial scientific investigation, results regarding the effect of omega-3 supplementation on blood sugar levels have been inconsistent.
Specifically, while some studies have found that omega-3 supplementation lowers blood sugar levels, others have reported little to no impact.
What Do the Scientific Studies Show?
One example of a study reporting conflicting results on the impact of omega-3 on blood sugar is a 2024 study in Current Nutrition Reports. 3
Basics of the study include the following:
- This study reviewed 30 randomized controlled trials involving participants, primarily adults, with one of three forms of diabetes: type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes, or gestational diabetes.
- Participants received omega-3 supplements of varying types and doses for six weeks to 12 months.
- The trial found that some participants experienced a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels with omega-3 supplementation, whereas others showed no change.
Investigators noted that such differences in trial results could be attributable to factors like:
- Number of participants in each trial
- Trial duration
- Participants’ age and, specifically, how long they have had diabetes
- Dosage of the omega-3 supplement
Other examples of studies addressing the uncertain role of daily omega-3 supplementation on blood sugar levels include:
- A 2022 study reviewed 30 randomized controlled trials involving participants with and without diabetes.4 Results revealed that omega-3 supplementation led to a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels.
- A 2020 study reviewed 12 randomized controlled trials involving just over 800 adults with type 2 diabetes. Results revealed that omega-3 supplementation did not affect blood sugar levels.5
- A 2019 study reviewed 83 randomized controlled trials involving more than 120,000 individuals with and without diabetes.6 The average trial period lasted nearly three years. Results revealed that increasing omega-3 intake, whether through supplements or foods (fish or plants), had minimal to no effect on blood glucose levels.
Should I Take an Omega-3 Supplement?
Overall, there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that omega-3 supplements can improve blood glucose control.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) does not universally recommend omega-3 supplementation for individuals with diabetes.7
Omega-3 supplementation is also not formally recommended for individuals with prediabetes, a common health condition marked by high blood sugar levels that are not yet elevated enough to fulfill a diagnosis of diabetes.
All said, there is some evidence, albeit mixed, that omega-3 supplements may improve cardiovascular health in individuals with diabetes and risk factors for heart disease, like high cholesterol.8
Given this potential link, your healthcare provider may recommend omega-3 supplements based on your personal heart disease risk factors.
Speak to Your Diabetes Healthcare Provider
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting an omega-3 supplement to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your care. Omega-3 supplements may interact with certain medications, like blood thinners.9
If your provider recommends an omega-3 supplement, side effects are generally mild, with common ones being:9
- Unpleasant supplement taste
- Bad breath
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn)
Using Diet to Improve Blood Sugar Control
For those with prediabetes or diabetes, the ADA recommends adopting a healthy eating pattern to optimize blood sugar control and prevent diabetes-related complications.
While no single diet suits everyone, the Mediterranean diet is a good fit for many. First, check in with your healthcare provider.
The Mediterranean diet is nonrestrictive, offers tasty choices, and has been found to reduce blood sugar levels.10
It consists of nutrient-dense foods like fruit, vegetables, and lean protein, as well as foods rich in omega-3s from both animal and plant sources, such as fatty fish, olive oil, and walnuts.
Credit: www.verywellhealth.com
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