Also, fish and seafood contain varying amounts of beneficial omega 3s, but these foods are great sources of protein, vitamins and minerals, which of course you miss out on when simply taking a pill.

Good question. While studies have clearly shown that eating fish a couple times a week conveys health benefits, the research on fish oil pills has been contradictory. It remains to be seen whether there are clear health benefits, for the general population or people with diabetes, from taking fish oil capsules. Beyond that, there's the question of dosage -- how much should you take? -- and how to discern quality differences among supplement brands.

Also, experts often say, when research on an isolated food ingredient is conflicting, it may be that the ingredient conveys its health benefits best when consumed naturally, as part of a whole food, rather than as an extract in a capsule.