Omega-3 fatty acids and your bones

Just last week we wrote about bone mineral density and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (Omega-3 fatty acids not just good for your heart, 3/2/07). Recently researchers in Sweden published a study (Am J Clin Nutr 2007;85(3):803-7) in which they recruited 73 healthy young men to participate in a long-term study of bone mineral density and blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

At the beginning of the study in 1994, the young men were 16 or 17 years old and otherwise healthy and active. Their Body Mass Index was measured, their blood levels of fatty acids were evaluated, and finally, their bone mineral density was measured using highly sensitive bone scanning equipment.

The tests were repeated on the same young men at age 22 and their levels of fatty acids and the changes in their bone mineral density were compared. They found a positive association between the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream and bone mineral density - meaning higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream were directly related to higher bone mineral density.

The researchers note that this is a small study and the volunteers came from a fairly healthy and active group of people, so it's difficult to generalize these results to everyone. Further, they did not keep track of the young men's diets, so they don't know where the omega-3 fatty acids were coming from - eating fish, fish oil supplements...?

What this means for you

This study is one more small reason to keep eating those delicious foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, including salmon, walnuts, tuna, cauliflower and spinach.

First posted: March 14, 2007