Key Findings:
This short communication represents an Editorial regarding the role of the role of plant and fish based n3 fatty acids in altering the incidence of diabetes. Total omega-3 FA intake is inversely associated with the incidence of diabetes and almost entirely due to intake of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These results have been shown in studies of plasma omega-3 FAs and incident diabetes, and in food frequency assessments. Cohort studies have shown no clear association of plasma EPA/DHA with diabetes, and 4 out of the 5 cohorts showed no association with plasma ALA. The studies highlighted suggest that ALA can be protective and merits more attention.