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Health News Archive 291 - Bone Health
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Omega-3 Fatty Acid Benefits Bone Health

Marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), increase calcium absorption and deposition in bone, according to researchers at Massey University in New Zealand.

Marine sources of omega-3 fatty acids are rich in DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), while plant-derived sources of omega-3 provide alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which serves as the precursor of DHA and EPA in humans.

Forty male rats, 10 in each of four groups, were fed a semi-synthetic diet supplemented with corn oil, evening primrose oil, fish oil, or tuna oil for six weeks. Scientists then assessed calcium absorption, bone mineral density, bone calcium content, and bone biomechanics of the test subjects.

The rats fed tuna oil (omega-3) absorbed significantly more calcium than the control group fed corn oil (omega-6). In addition, the rats fed fish or tuna oil excreted less calcium compared to the rats fed corn oil. Bone calcium content was significantly higher in the tuna oil group than in the corn oil group.

The tuna oil group demonstrated higher bone mineral density of the femur and spine than did the corn oil group. Higher levels of DHA in red blood cell membranes were significantly correlated with higher bone density and bone calcium content.

Marine-derived omega-3 fatty acid consumption thus helped to increase the bioavailability of dietary calcium and support its integration into bone tissue. Tuna oil, which is particularly rich in DHA, appeared to more effectively support bone health than fish oil, in which EPA predominates. These findings suggest that consumption of marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, may improve calcium absorption, optimize bone density, and offer protection against conditions such as osteoporosis.

Reference: Kruger MC, Schollum LM. Is docosahexaenoic acid more effective than eicosapentaenoic acid for increasing calcium bioavailability? Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2005 Nov;73(5):327-34.

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