Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Potential in Type 1 Diabetes and Children's Cognitive Development

by Health Blog Editorial Team
Status: 10.07.2025

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids and are essential for numerous functions in the human body. In recent years, their effects have been intensively investigated, especially with regard to anti-inflammatory processes, cognitive development, and metabolic health – with promising results, also in the context of Type 1 diabetes and in children.

Effect on Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which insulin-producing beta cells are destroyed. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), have immunomodulatory effects. A publication in the journal Diabetes describes that an adequate supply of omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate inflammatory reactions in type 1 diabetics:

• Calder PC et al. (2020). Immunomodulatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Diabetes.
  Link to Study (PubMed)

In addition, a prospective cohort study showed that children with higher omega-3 levels had a reduced risk of developing autoantibodies – an early indicator of type 1 diabetes:

• Norris JM et al. (2007). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and islet autoimmunity in children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes. JAMA. 298(12):1420–1428.
  DOI: 10.1001/jama.298.12.1420
  https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.298.12.1420

Cognitive Development in Children

DHA is a major component of neuronal cell membranes. Numerous studies, including the British DOLAB study, show that children with omega-3 supplementation had significantly better scores in reading, memory, and concentration:

• Richardson AJ et al. (2012). The DOLAB study: a randomised controlled trial of DHA supplementation for children with reading, memory and behaviour problems. PLoS ONE, 7(9):e43909.
  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043909
  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0043909

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also confirms:

“DHA contributes to the normal development of the brain and eyesight in children.”

• EFSA Scientific Opinion (2009).
  https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1007

Prevention of Secondary Complications

In the long term, adequate omega-3 intake can reduce inflammation in the body and thus positively influence diabetic secondary diseases such as nephropathy, retinopathy, or neuropathy. A meta-analysis shows that omega-3 supplementation is associated with an improvement in endothelial function in diabetics:

• Rombaldi Bernardi J et al. (2017). Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on endothelial function in humans: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Nutrition. 36(4):720–730.
  DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2016.06.014
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2016.06.014

Conclusion

Omega-3 fatty acids offer great health potential, especially for chronic inflammatory diseases such as type 1 diabetes and for neuronal development in children.

Zinzino is more than just a food supplement with Omega 3 fatty acids

Our body cells need a healthy balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. You can measure this balance with a simple test. As easy as a blood sugar test: you put a drop of blood on the Zinzino Test, register online and after approx. 14 days you will receive an anonymous evaluation by email and what you can do specifically to optimize the composition of your blood lipids to best support your body.

Click here to learn more

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For adults, BalanceOil is available in Orange Lemon Mint flavor.

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Legal Notice (Disclaimer)

This article serves as general information and does not constitute medical advice. Dietary supplements should not be taken without consulting a doctor – especially in the case of chronic diseases such as diabetes. No liability is assumed for the accuracy of the information.