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Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Reduced Fracture Risk in Older Adults

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, higher concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids (PUFAs) in older adults may be associated with a lower risk of osteoporotic fractures. The research, conducted at the University of Iceland, examined the relationship between fatty acid intake and fracture risk in men and women aged 66-96 years. The study found that in men, the highest tertile of PUFAs, including n-3 (omega-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid, was associated with a 40-60% reduced fracture risk. In women, PUFAs tended to be inversely associated with fracture risk, but the relationship was not independent in tertiles 2 and 3.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study, conducted at the University of Iceland, examined the association between fatty acid intake and fracture risk in 1438 participants aged 66-96 years.
  • Higher tertiles of PUFAs, including n-3 (omega-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid, were associated with a 40-60% reduced fracture risk in men.
  • Daily fish-oil consumption in late life was associated with a 36% reduced fracture risk in men.
  • Daily fish-oil consumption in midlife was associated with a 25% reduced fracture risk in women.
  • Tertile 2 of n-6 and arachidonic acid was associated with a 43-42% increased fracture risk in women.

Statistics:

  • 1438 participants were included in the study, with 898 participants randomly selected from the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility Study.
  • 540 participants had incident fractures.
  • PUFAs were assessed by using gas chromatography.
  • Fish-oil consumption was assessed by using validated questionnaires.
  • The study had a follow-up period of 5-9 years.

Sources:

  • Plasma phospholipid fatty acids and fish-oil consumption in relation to osteoporotic fracture risk in older adults: the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility Study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2015;101(5):947-955.
  • T.B. Harris, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
  • X.L. Song, I. Reinders, T.F. Lang, M.E. Garcia, K. Siggeirsdottir, S. Sigurdsson, V. Gudnason, G. Eiriksdottir, G. Sigurdsson, L. Steingrimsdottir, T. Aspelund, I.A. Brouwer, and R.A. Murphy.

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