In a nutshell
This study investigated the effects of supplementation with flaxseed oil omega-3 fatty acids on diabetic foot ulcers.
They found that treatment with omega-3 fatty acids improved diabetic would healing over a 12-week period.
Some background
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a serious complication of diabetes, causing a debilitating effect on quality of life. DFU is difficult to treat as normal wound healing processes are not as effective in patients with diabetes.
Wound healing is greatly influenced by the body’s inflammatory response. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to mediate inflammatory responses and improve wound healing.
Methods & findings
This study investigated if supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, derived from flaxseed oil, improved wound healing.
This study included 60 patients with a grade 3 diabetic foot ulcer. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received 1000 mg/day of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil. The other group received placebo (inactive oil). All patients continued taking standard medication to treat diabetic foot (ciprofloxacin, clindamycin). Wound healing parameters and blood glucose control were measured at the beginning and end of the study.
Patients who received omega-3 supplementation had decreased ulcer length, width and depth after 12 weeks. Improved insulin homeostasis (balance) was also reported in these patients. Patients who received omega-3 supplementation reported no adverse events. There was also a reduction in markers of inflammation, such as c-reactive protein.
The bottom line
This study concluded that treatment with omega-3 fatty acids improved diabetic would healing over a 12-week period.
The fine print
No adverse effects were reported. There were less women (14) included in the trial than men (46). The method of measuring wound healing was not the most accurate. Long-term effects of omega-3 supplementation should be investigated.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding wound care and diabetes, please discuss this with your doctor.
Published By :
Journal of Diabetes and its Complications
Date :
Jun 28, 2017
