Omega-3 and Vitamin D Supplements in Childhood T1D

Overview

The study was conducted in 64 patients with T1D of which 26 had the onset in 2017, and 38 in 2016, 2015 and 2014. All received vitamin D 1000 IU /day since disease's onset. Moreover in the 2017 group omega-3 were supplemented, starting within 3 and 6 months from the disease's outbreak, and those were considered cases; the other 38 were enrolled as controls. Four cases and one control dropped out. Finally in 59/64 were compared data of glycosylated hemoglobin percentage (HbA1c%), average insulin daily requirement (IU/Kg/day), and IDAA1c \[Insulin Daily dose Adjusted for HbA1c, a surrogate index of residual endogen insulin secretion, calculated as insulin daily dose (IU/Kg/24 h) x 4 + HbA1c%\] at recruitment (T0), and 3 (T3), 6 (T6), 12 (T12) months after. T0 in cases was at the start of supplementation of omega-3, and consequently 3, 6 and 12 months after; in controls were found data in clinical records of outpatient beginning from the 3rd month and 3-6-12 months thereafter. Then 22 cases and 37 controls were compared.

Was assessed the comparability of cases and controls at baseline for gender, age, body weight, HbA1c% and device for insulin therapy. The preparation of omega-3 administered was a highly purified fish oil to avoid pollutants, containing a mixture of omega-3 long chain fatty acids standardized for contents of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in a 2: 1 ratio, in capsules or in liquid form. The liquid preparation was used in the case of difficulties in swallowing capsules or concomitant celiac disease because it was certified as gluten-free (Ener Zone Omega 3 RX® Equipe Enervit). The preparations contained antioxidants to preserve omega-3 LCFA, tocopherol (1 mg in 1 g of omega-3 LCFA), palmitate, and rosemary extract. EPA and DHA were administered at 50-60 mg/kg/day for 12 months. The investigation of Arachidonic Acid (AA)/EPA ratios was performed in cases on recruitment (T0), and repeated after 3 (T3), 6 (T6), and 12 months (T12). Cholecalciferol supplementation was fixed at 1000 IU/day (25 mcg/day), both in cases and controls. Vitamin D level was determined as 25(OH)D level at the clinical onset of T1D, at T0, T3, T6, and T12 in cases, and at clinical onset of controls.