Fish oil pills have no benefit for type 2 diabetes

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People with type 2 diabetes "should not be encouraged" to take omega-3 fish oil supplements, according to researchers at the University of East Anglia.

Omega-3s may have harmful effects on sufferers.

However, although more than 80 studies were reviewed by the BMJ, they did not reveal any benefit.

Diabetes UK stated that it was best to consume omega-3s by eating fatty fish as part of a healthy diet.

Most diabetics – 90% – have type 2, where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body's cells do not react to insulin.

Being overweight or obese, or having a close relative with the condition increases the risk.

The researchers found that omega-3s in fish oils had little or no effect on the diagnosis of diabetes or on glucose metabolism, regardless of the duration of the study.

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Dr. Lee Hooper, who led the research, told the BBC that it was worrisome that omega-3 supplements could harm people with type 2 by making blood sugar control more difficult .

But people with the disease, or at risk of developing it, may also have high levels of triglycerides – a type of fat in the blood – that omega-3s tend to reduce.

She said: "We have found neither harm nor benefit.

"It's very expensive, if a person is at risk for diabetes, there are much better things to spend money on, such as physical activity – or oily fish."

Douglas Twenefour, Deputy Head of Healthcare at Diabetes UK, said: "A healthy and varied diet is extremely important, and we know that certain foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, yogurt and cheese – can contribute to reduce the risk of this type 2 diabetes.

"Although omega-3 fatty acids are essential to our overall health, it is generally best for people with type 2 diabetes to consume at least two servings of fatty fish a week rather than taking supplements."

But Dr. Carrie Ruxton, from the Food Supplements and Health Information Service (HSIS), said, "I would prefer that people follow the advice of the government and eat more fish, but this is not enough. is not the reality and a daily intake of omega-3 supplement – whether it is fish oil or seaweed – can bridge the gap. "