Omega-3 fatty acids increase bone density
An Umea University (Sweden) human study published in 2007 confirms the omega-3 bone health connection seen in previous animal studies. The study on 78 men from the age of 16 to 24 years has found that men with the highest omega-3 fatty acids, especially the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), had the strongest bones (spine, limbs and other)1.
Whilst continuing research, including work at New Zealand’s Massey University, is still looking for the mechanism by which omega-3 exerts its positive effect on bone, the Swedish study authors speculate that DHA may help regulate calcium handling, or bone protein (collagen) formation.
Whatever the mechanism, this research confirms yet another benefit of long chain polyunsaturated omega -3 fatty acids.
1. Högström M, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2007; 85: 803-7.
Naturopaths Comment:
Osteoporosis, a debilitating low bone density condition, has become a major health issue in New Zealand affecting more than half of women and nearly a third of men over the age of 60.
Genetics, plus lifestyle and dietary habits in childhood will determine bone health in later life. Oily fish and fish oil supplements are the best nutritional sources of long chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids as the body isn’t particularly efficient in making them from other precursors such as alpha-linolenic acid found in plant foods. Unfortunately, the average daily intake of omega-3 has dramatically declined over the last 60 years whilst intake of omega-6 from vegetable oils has equally dramatically increased.
A balanced diet, impact exercise and the inclusion of a quality fish oil supplement could make all the difference to your own, and more especially your child’s, bone and mental health later in life.
(Originally published in Health & Herbal News Magazine Volume 17, Issue 3)