The research, published in published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, suggested that the association was significant in the under-60 age group but not in older participants.
Recent findings indicate that omega-3 fatty acids may affect bone mineral density and turnover, but conclusive evidence linking them to osteoporosis is lacking. Therefore, the current authors aimed to clarify the links using NHANES cross-sectional data.
“Public health campaigns should focus on promoting omega-3-rich foods and possibly advocating for supplementation, especially in populations less likely to consume adequate amounts through diet alone,” wrote researchers from Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in China.
Age-related differences
The researchers hypothesized that the differences in results between age groups may be due to variations in bone turnover rates and calcium absorption with age.
They noted that “the protective effect of omega-3 intake on bone health appears more pronounced in younger individuals, likely due to their higher bone metabolic activity.”
Explaining that younger individuals may more easily incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into their cell structures due to better lipid metabolism, they highlighted the need for age-specific dietary interventions.
Omega-3 and bone health
The researchers suggested several mechanisms by which omega-3 fatty acids may support bone health.
First, EPA and DHA have been shown to enhance calcium absorption in the gut, a process crucial for maintaining bone mineral density.
Omega-3s also decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines that stimulate osteoclast activity, leading to increased bone breakdown. Additionally, they promote osteoblast activity, enhancing the formation of new bone.
Furthermore, the authors noted that the interaction between omega-3 and other nutrients must be considered. Combining omega-3 fatty acids with vitamin D, magnesium and vitamin K2 may have a synergistic effect on promoting bone health.
“Given the increasing prevalence of osteoporosis, particularly among postmenopausal women and the elderly, embedding omega-3 fatty acids in dietary guidelines could provide a viable strategy to reduce the incidence of osteoporosis,” the researchers wrote.
Study details
The study analyzed data from 8,889 participants aged 50 years and over in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Of these, 516 were osteoporosis patients.
Omega-3 intake was assessed through dietary recall interviews, and bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans.
The findings revealed a significant association between higher omega-3 intake and lower risk of osteoporosis. Subgroup analysis indicated no significant variations in this association. However, “age stood out as a significant modifier,” the researchers wrote, noting that “participants under 60 showed a marked decrease in osteoporosis risk with higher omega-3 intake, whereas this association did not hold for those aged 60 and above”.
“This indicates that the beneficial effects of omega-3 on bone health may be more pronounced in younger populations, highlighting the importance of early dietary intervention,” they reported.
The researchers called for longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials to clarify any causal relationships, as well as genetic studies to enhance personalized recommendations.
Source: Frontiers in Nutrition. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1467559. “The association between dietary omega-3 intake and osteoporosis: a NHANES cross-sectional study”. Authors: Z. Liu et al.