Background and Aim: Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation in diabetic patients via special mechanisms. The objective the current study was to investigate the effects dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in type 2 diabetes patients.

Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 57 subjects with type-2 diabetes. The participants were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups receiving either an omega-3 fatty acid supplement (containing 1584 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, 828 mg docosahexaenoic acid, and 338 mg other omega-3 fatty acids) or a placebo tablet (containing 2100 mg sunflower oil) for a period of 8 weeks.

Results: The serum TNF-α  and IL-2 concentrations decreased significantly in the omega-3 fatty acid group in comparison with the placebo group (in both cases, p<0.01). The intervention did not bring about any statistically significant changes in the serum CRP concentrations.

Conclusion: Considering the beneficial effects of omega-3 dietary fatty acid supplements on the 2 inflammatory biomarkers, namely TNF-α and IL-2, type-2 diabetes patients are recommended to consume such supplements or foodstuffs rich in omega-3 fatty acids, e.g., fish.