Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Healthier, Stronger Bones

Increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in particular, may increase bone mineral content and produce healthier, stronger bones, according to a new study involving rats.

Omega-3 fatty acids, most notably EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA, have been linked to a wide range of health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, good development of a baby during pregnancy, joint health and improved behavior and mood.

According to findings of the new study with rats, DHA “appears to be a vital constituent of marrow” and enhances bone mineral content (BMC). The findings did not extend to EPA, however.

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

Led by Purdue’s Dr. Bruce Watkins, 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.

Rat pups bred to be omega-3 deficient were randomly assigned to receive linoleic acid (LA)-enriched rat milk, or the LA milk supplemented with one percent DHA, one percent DPA, or one percent DHA, plus 0.4 percent DPA. Once the animals reached adulthood, the fatty acid levels in their tissues were measured and their bone mineral density (BMD) determined.

Data showed that the DPA-supplemented animals “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.”

British Journal of Nutrition
Published online ahead of print.

Editor’s Note: Be cautious about various EPA supplements. Recently there was a company that claimed to have pure EPA and was sued. SEE post. Shaklee Corporation used a triple distillation process in their product OmegaGuard that gives you only the pure EPA .

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