Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Diabetes - A Review of Current Evidence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals with diabetes. This review examines recent evidence on the effects of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes in diabetes.

RECENT FINDINGS: Cardiovascular outcomes trials demonstrate heterogeneous effects of omega-3 supplementation. High-dose purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has reduced cardiovascular events in selected high-risk populations, whereas low-dose combined EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA) formulations have generally shown limited benefit. Omega-6 fatty acid evidence remains more limited, with most studies evaluating lipid markers rather than clinical cardiovascular outcomes. More investigation is needed into the potential benefits and optimal formulation of omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular outcomes in diabetes. Omega-6 fatty acids appear neutral or beneficial when replacing saturated fats, but their effects on clinical cardiovascular outcomes among individuals with diabetes remain uncertain. Future research should prioritize diabetes-specific trials examining patient characteristics, background diet, fatty acid formulation, dose, and long-term safety.