Omega-3 Linked to Healthier, Stronger Bones

Omega-3 Linked to Healthier, Stronger Bones According To Laboratory Study

New Research Demonstrates Key Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids For Supporting Bone & Joint Health

Increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, and DHA in particular, may increase bone mineral content and produce healthier, stronger bones, suggest results from a study.

The fatty acids, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), have been linked to a wide-range of health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and certain cancers, proper development of a baby during pregnancy, joint health, improved behavior and mood.

According to findings of a new controlled laboratory study DHA “appears to be a vital constituent of marrow” and enhances bone mineral content (BMC).

Scientists from Purdue University, Indiana University School of Medicine, Korea Maritime University, and the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), report their findings in the British Journal of Nutrition.

The researchers used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to assess the impact of DHA on bone mineral content, compared with the omega-6 DPA (docosapentaenoic acid) or DHA plus DPA to measure the fatty acid levels in tissues and bone mineral density (BMD) determined.

Data showed that the DPA-supplemented subjects “generally had the lowest BMC and BMD values”, said the researchers.

They also noted that DPA did not replace DHA in the bones and this indicated “an indispensable role of DHA in bone health”.

Scientists from NASA recently reported in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research that the omega-3 EPA may protect against bone loss during space flight. At the Universities Space Research Association in Houston the researchers examined the levels of a protein called NF-kappaB that is linked to a range of functions, including bone resorption, muscle wastage, and immune health.

Data showed that NF-kappa B levels were higher in astronauts following periods of spaceflight. However, astronauts who reported higher intakes of fish, and therefore the omega-3s they contain, had lower levels of bone loss after spaceflight.

These observations were supported by cell studies, said the researchers, which showed that EPA decreased the activation of NF-kappa B.

Source: British Journal of Nutrition Published online “Bone mineral content is positively correlated to n-3 fatty acids”