Studies have suggested in the past that cod liver oil supplements in infancy are associated with a reduced risk of type I diabetes. In this study, omega-3 fatty acid intake starting at 1 year of age along with measurement in red blood cells was measured along with development of type I diabetes. For both measures, increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a decreased risk in children who were at high risk genetically.
Omega-3 fatty acids include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These have been shown to play important antioxidant roles in the body and in recent years shown to be needed for optimal brain and vision development in children. Now it appears that they may prevent diabetes, which means that they may play a role in other diseases affected by oxidant damage. The paper mentions an upcoming study looking even more carefully at whether DHA supplements during pregnancy and infancy will prevent or delay type I diabetes.
Studies continue to show the importance of DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids for children. Pregnant and nursing women need to be sure they are getting enough in their diet, and parents need to be sure children, especially infants, are receiving adequate amounts of DHA.
