Osteoporosis occurs when bone mass declines, increasing the risk of fracture. It most commonly affects postmenopausal women, but it can also affect men. You can help prevent osteoporosis by ensuring you get enough calcium and vitamin D, both of which help your body to build bone. Omega-3 fatty acids may also help to increase bone mass and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, but scientific evidence proving this is limited. Talk to your doctor before taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
Properties and Role in Osteoporosis
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids sometimes referred to "good fats." There are two omega-3s known as eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. Omega-3 fatty acids may play a role of the treatment of a number of medical conditions including depression, asthma and cystic fibrosis. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that omega-3 fatty acid may also help maintain or increase bone mass. It may also help to increase the absorption of calcium and improve bone strength.
Sources and Administration
Cold water fish, such as salmon and halibut, are a rich source of omega-3. However, you may prefer to take a fish oil supplement. UMMC suggests taking 4 g of fish oil daily, either as a liquid or in capsules, to enhance bone mass. Check with your doctor that this dose is suitable for you. MedlinePlus notes that taking more than 3 g daily may not be safe as it may hinder blood clotting and reduce your ability to fight infection.
Scientific Evidence
The results of a study published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" in June 2005 show that omega-3 fatty acids enhance bone mineral density and may help to prevent bone loss. However, the study was carried out in an animal model, not humans. A analysis of studies involving omega-3 fatty acids, published in the March 2008 issue of "Medical Science Monitor" concludes that omega-3s likely have a beneficial effect on bone health and osteoporosis, but the authors add that more clinical studies are needed to confirm this.
Safety Considerations
Taking a fish oil supplement as a source of omega-3 may not be suitable for everyone as it contraindicated in several conditions, including diabetes, HIV, bipolar disorder and liver disease. It may also interact with other drugs you may be taking, including anticoagulants like aspirin and warfarin, hypertension medicines and the birth control pill.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Osteoporosis; Dec. 11, 2008
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Omega-3; Feb. 28, 2011
- MedlinePlus; Fish Oil; Nov. 18, 2010
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Inhibition of Osteoporosis in Autoimmune Disease Prone MRL/Mpj-Fas(lpr) Mice by N-3 Fatty Acids; A. Bhattacharya, et al.; June 2005
- "Medical Science Monitor"; A Systematic Review of the Impact of n-3 Fatty Acids in Bone Health and Osteoporosis; P. Salari, et al.; March 2008
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