Scientists at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center report that the results of their DAISY Trial (Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young) show that increased intake of omega 3 fatty acids in infancy might protect children from type 1 diabetes. The results of the study were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) today, September 26, 2007.

The study measured the effect of omega 3 fatty acid intake on pancreatic islet autoimmunity (IA). IA is an indicator for type 1 diabetes which is considered an autoimmune disease. The children were followed for a little over 6 years. At that time researchers checked the development of islet autoimmunity (IA) in the children.

The kids who had more omega 3 intake had a reduced risk of islet autoimmunity. This led to the conclusion that omega 3 intake has a protective action against type 1 diabetes. The DAISY trial was an observational study. It did not manipulate the omega 3 intake of the participating kids.

Omega 3's are an important part of dietary health. They are found in flax and walnuts, some oils like fish oil and canola, and in some fish like tuna, mackerel, sardines, salmon, bluefish and swordfish. Eggs from free range chickens may also have omega 3's.

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