Omega-3 Fatty Acids Important for Bone Health

Researchers recently studied omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to determine omega-3’s role in bone mineral density in older women. We must consume essential fatty acids in the diet, as the body is unable to synthesize them.

The subjects in this study included 554 elderly women. The women completed a three-day food record as well as a questionnaire on lifestyle factors, current health status and medication intake. Researchers assessed bone mineral density at the lumbar spine (L2–L4), hip and total body at the beginning of the study and again after three years.

Researchers found that dietary omega-3 intake was associated with bone mineral density in the spine and total body, but not at the hip. Additional analysis found that omega-3 intake was associated with bone mineral density specifically in women not taking hormone therapy at the beginning of the study. In these women, intake of total omega-3s as well as the intakes of linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic acids (omega-3) and total omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids was significantly associated with bone mineral density at the lumbar spine. Also, these women showed a significant association between total body bone mineral density and linoleic and linolenic acids, and total omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

According to the researchers, among elderly women not on hormone therapy, this study supports the suggested beneficial effect of dietary omega-3s on bone health.

Reference:

Jarvinen R, Tuppurainen M, Erkkila AT, Penttinen P, Karkkainen M, Salovaara K, Jurvelin JS, Kroger H. Associations of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids with bone mineral density in elderly women. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011 Nov 23. Published Online Ahead of Print.