04.24.07
Indication: Bone mineral density (BMD)
Source: Am J Clin Nutr, March 2007;85(3): 803-807.
Research: The objective of this study was to investigate the role of fatty acids in bone accumulation and the attainment of peak bone mass in young men. The cohort studied consisted of 78 healthy young men with a mean age of 16 years at baseline. Bone mineral density (BMD; in g/cm(2)) of total body, hip, and spine was measured at baseline and at 22 and 24 years of age. Fatty acid concentrations were measured in the phospholipid fraction in serum at 22 years of age.
Results: Concentrations of n-3 fatty acids were positively associated with total BMD and spine BMD at 22 years of age. A positive correlation between n-3 fatty acid concentrations and the changes in BMD at the spine was found between 16 and 22 years of age. Concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) were positively associated with total BMD and BMD at the spine at 22 yearas of age. A positive correlation was also found between DHA concentrations and the changes in BMD at the spine between 16 and 22 years of age. Researchers believe these results show that n-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are positively associated with bone mineral accrual and, thus, with peak BMD in young men.