Osteoporosis: omega-3s reduce the risk of fractures

High blood concentrations of Omega 3 appear to be associated with reduced likelihood of osteoporotic fractures, in the elderly. Specifically, in men, high consumption of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) may reduce the risk of fractures by up to 40 percent. In women, the intake of fish oil supplements appears to confer greater bone protection.

This was reported in a study conducted in Iceland by researchers at the University of Iceland, Reykjavik in collaboration with Dutch and American researchers. The research was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Osteoporosis: a widespread condition among the elderly

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and deterioration of the microarchitecture of bone tissue. The consequence is a weakening of the bones and an 'increased risk of fractures, which occur mainly in the wrist, vertebrae, and femur. Osteoporosis is associated with normal aging processes; it occurs mainly in people over 60 years of age and is more common in women than men. Factors contributing to the onset of 'osteoporosis are insufficient dietary intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, as well as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and hormonal changes. Deficiency of polyunsaturated fatty acids would also appear to play a role in the onset of bone fractures, but studies on this are still scarce.

High levels of EPA reduce the risk of fractures in men

During this study, data were collected and analyzed from 1438 participants aged 66 to 96 years, both men and women, who had experienced osteoporosis fractures, with the aim of examining the 'association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and fish oil consumption consumed at different ages with fracture risk. Omega-3s in blood were determined using gas chromatography. Fish oil consumption was assessed through food questionnaires, and age, education, height, weight, diabetes, physical activity, and any medications taken were considered. Results showed that in men, higher EPA levels were associated with up to a 40 percent reduction in the risk of osteoporotic fractures. In women, however, a trend toward greater bone protection was observed, although not statistically significant. In addition, intake of fish oil supplements, which are rich in Omega-3, has been shown to be particularly effective for men 65 years of age and older. In women, supplement consumption was found to be associated with a lower risk of fractures in those who had taken it at peri-menopausal age. In contrast, no protective association was found for regular Omega-3 consumption at ages earlier than those described.

Best age to consume Omega-3 varies with gender

These findings, according to the researchers who conducted the study, highlight that high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids may be associated with a lower risk of osteoporotic fractures in the elderly, especially in men, and that critical periods for Omega-3 consumption appear to vary between men and women.

Source: Harris TB, Song X, Reinders I, Lang TF, Garcia ME, Siggeirsdottir K, Sigurdsson S, Gudnason V, Eiriksdottir G, Sigurdsson G, Steingrimsdottir L, Aspelund T, Brouwer IA, Murphy RA "Plasma phospholipid fatty acids and fish-oil consumption in relation to osteoporotic fracture risk in older adults: the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility Study2.Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Mar 18. pii: ajcn087502. [Epub ahead of print].