Osteoporosis: Omega-3 reduce the risk of fractures

High concentrations of Omega-3 in the blood appear to be associated with a reduced probability of osteoporotic fractures in the elderly. In particular, in men, high consumption of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) can reduce fracture risk by up to 40%. In women, the intake of fish oil supplements seems to provide greater bone protection.

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

Osteoporosis: a very common disease among the elderly

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by decreased bone mass and deterioration of the microarchitecture of bone tissue. The consequence is weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures, which mainly occur in the wrist, vertebrae, and femur. Osteoporosis is associated with normal aging processes; it mainly affects people over 60 years old and is more frequent in women than in men. Factors contributing to osteoporosis include insufficient dietary intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, as well as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and hormonal changes. A deficiency of polyunsaturated fatty acids also seems to play a role in the development of bone fractures, although studies on this are still limited.

High levels of EPA reduce fracture risk in men

During the study, data were collected and analyzed from 1,438 participants aged 66 to 96 years, both men and women, who had experienced osteoporotic fractures. The aim was to examine the association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and fish oil consumption at different ages with fracture risk. Blood Omega-3 levels were determined using gas chromatography. Fish oil consumption was evaluated through dietary questionnaires, and factors such as age, education, height, weight, diabetes, physical activity, and medications were considered. Results showed that in men, higher EPA levels were associated with up to a 40% reduction in osteoporotic fracture risk. In women, there was a trend toward greater bone protection, although not statistically significant. Additionally, intake of fish oil supplements rich in Omega-3 proved particularly effective for men aged 65 and older. In women, supplement use was associated with lower fracture risk in those who took them during the perimenopausal age. No protective association was observed with regular Omega-3 consumption at earlier ages.

The optimal age for Omega-3 intake varies by sex

According to the researchers, these results highlight how 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 seem to differ 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]