Effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplement on antioxidant enzymes activity in type 2 diabetic patients

Background: diabetes is a major cause of death. oxidative stress mainly caused by hyperglycemia is the primary rea-son of related complications. omega-3 fatty acids are prescribed in diabetes but the effect on antioxidant defense is controversial. this study investigated effects of omega-3 supplementation on antioxidant enzymes activity in type 2 diabetic patients. methods: a randomized,placebo controlled,double blind clinical trial was performed on 90 type2 diabetic patients. the treatment group took,daily,three capsules of omega-3 for two mo,which totally provided 2714mg omega-3 (epa=1548 mg,dha=828 mg and 338 mg of other omega=3 fatty acids). placebo contained 2100 mg sunflower oil (12% sfa,65% linoleic acid,23% mufa),which is the main oil used in the study population. food intakes,anthro-pometric and demographic characteristics,and therapeutic regimen data were recorded before and after the interven-tion. fasting blood samples were taken before and after the intervention to measure super oxide dismutase,gluta-thione peroxidase,glutathione reductase,catalase and total antioxidant capacity in erythrocytes. results: a total of 81 subjects completed the study. two study groups were similar as regards duration of diabetes,age and the enzymes at baseline. energy and macro-and micronutrients intakes,weight and hypoglycemic agent con-sumption were similar in the two groups at baseline and did not change. supplementation had no effect on antioxidant enzyme status. glycated hemoglobin showed a significant reduction by supplementation. conclusion: daily supplementation of 2714 mg mega-3 for two mo results in a significant reduction in hba1c level in type2 diabetic patients with no effects on antioxidant enzymes activity. © 2016,iranian journal of public health. all rights reserved.