Summary
This narrative review examines the translation gap between promising preclinical findings and largely ineffective human intervention trials of marine omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) for improving insulin sensitivity and glucose control in type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Whilst rodent studies consistently show beneficial metabolic effects, human observational studies are encouraging but most randomised intervention trials fail to demonstrate clinically meaningful benefit. The authors discuss putative mechanisms in skeletal muscle, liver and adipose tissue, highlighting unanswered questions about n-3 PUFA efficacy in human metabolic health.
Regional applicability
This United States-based review addresses a global question relevant to United Kingdom dietary guidance and clinical practice. The identified translational gap between animal models and human trials has direct applicability to UK nutrition policy and type 2 diabetes prevention strategies, where omega-3 supplementation is sometimes advocated despite limited human evidence of metabolic benefit.
Key measures
Insulin sensitivity markers, glucose homeostasis, mechanistic endpoints in animal and human studies of EPA and DHA supplementation
Outcomes reported
The review synthesised evidence on the effect of EPA and DHA supplementation on insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis across preclinical and human clinical studies. It examined mechanistic pathways in skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue.
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