Objectives. To test the hypothesis that the unusually low prevalences of insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome (MS) and diabetes (DM) in Alaskan Eskimos, compared to American Indians, is related to the traditional Eskimo diet, high in C20-C22 ω-3 fatty acids (FAs). To determine if the relatively low blood pressures, low serum triglycerides and high HDL cholesterol levels in Eskimos result from high ω-3 FA consumption. Study design. Cross-sectional study. Methods. We measured plasma FA concentrations in 447 Norton Sound Eskimos (35-74 years of age) and screened for DM, CHD and associated risk factors. A dietary assessment (24-hr recall) was obtained for comparison the day before the blood sampling.Results. Plasma ω-3 FA concentrations were highly correlated with dietary ω-3 FAs and HDL levels and inversely correlated with plasma levels of insulin, 2-h insulin (OGTT), HOMI-IR, 2-h glucose (OGTT), triglyceride levels and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions. High consumption of ω-3 FAs positively affects components of the MS, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. This finding suggests that high consumption of C20-C22 ω-3 FAs protects against the development of the MS and glucose intolerance. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2005; 64(4):396-408.)

Fatty acids (FAs) have been related to changes in glucose and lipid metabolism. In this article, the authors assess the association between intake of specific FAs and components of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in adult Eskimos. A total of 691 Inupiat Eskimos (325 men and 366 women), aged 34 to 75 years, were examined as part of the Genetics of Coronary Artery Disease in Alaska Natives (GOCADAN) study. The investigation included a physical examination, blood pressure measurements, blood sampling under fasting conditions, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, and a personal interview including a validated food frequency questionnaire. Components of MS were defined according to the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel criteria. Consumption of individual FAs showed associations with MS components. Long-chain omega-3 FAs, from fish and sea mammals, were associated with lower blood pressure, serum triglycerides, and 2-hour glucose and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment. Saturated fat consumption was associated with higher triglyceride levels and blood pressure. Trans-FA consumption was associated with higher blood pressure. Consumption of long-chain omega-3 FAs from marine sources may improve certain MS components, and thus may reduce risk for cardiovascular disease. High consumption of saturated FAs and trans-FAs may have an adverse effect on MS.