title: Supplementation of n3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid synergistically decreases insulin resistance with weight loss of obese prepubertal and pubertal children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Supplementation with n3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-LCPUFA) appears to affect body weight, adipokines, and insulin resistance (IR) in obese individuals. However, it is unclear whether the effect on IR is independent of weight loss and if the same effect is observed in children. We undertook this study to analyze the effect of supplementation with n3-LCPUFA on adipokine concentration and IR of prepubertal and pubertal children, independent of weight loss.
  
  
  METHODS
  Included were 76 children, 9- to 18-years of age. Subjects were overweight and insulin resistant, but otherwise healthy. They were randomly assigned to receive 900 mg n3-LCPUFA daily (Omega III, Salmon Oil, GNLD) or placebo for 1 month. No dietary intervention was conducted. Dietary information, anthropometry, and blood samples to measure adipokines and IR were obtained at baseline. Anthropometry and measurement of biochemical parameters were repeated at the end of follow-up. For analysis, children were stratified by treatment (placebo and n3-FA) and according to changes in body weight (increase, decrease, unchanged).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty seven children received placebo and 49 received the n3-LCPUFA. Despite no differences at baseline, only the n3-FA group decreased fasting insulin and HOMA-IR (p <0.010). Significant differences between groups were observed for changes in TNF-α, leptin and adiponectin after supplementation (p <0.050). At the end of the 1-month period, 16 children lost weight and 27 children gained weight. Multiple analysis demonstrated that supplementation with n3-LCPUFA decreased HOMA-IR by 15% after adjusting for puberty, treatment adherence, changes in adipokines, and weight loss. Interaction between supplementation and weight loss was significant (p = 0.007).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Supplementation with n3-LCPUFA is a potential beneficial tool for obese at-risk children.
authors.affiliation: Research Unit in Medical Nutrition, Pediatric Hospital, National Medical Center 21st Century, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexico, D.F., Mexico. marsau2@prodigy.net.mx
authors.forename: Mardia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: López-Alarcón
authors.forename: Araceli
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martínez-Coronado
authors.forename: Oscar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Velarde-Castro
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rendón-Macías
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fernández
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010919:Placebos; D011627:Puberty; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D010919:Placebos