Supplementation with a low-moderate dose of n-3 long-chain PUFA has no short-term effect on bone resorption in human adults

Br J Nutr. 2011 Apr;105(8):1145-9. doi: 10.1017/S0007114510004861. Epub 2010 Dec 6.

Abstract

Previous research suggests that n-3 PUFA may play a role in bone health. The present analysis aimed to investigate the impact of n-3 PUFA supplementation on bone resorption in adult men and women. Serum samples from 113 mild-moderately depressed individuals (twenty-six males and eighty-seven females, aged 18-67 years) randomised to receive 1·48 g EPA+DHA/d (n 53) or placebo (n 60) for 12 weeks as part of a large recent randomised controlled trial were assayed for n-3 PUFA status and a bone resorption marker, C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (β-CTX). Regression analyses revealed that n-3 PUFA status following supplementation was associated with randomisation (placebo/n-3 PUFA) (B = 3·25, 95 % CI 2·60, 3·91, P < 0·01). However, β-CTX status following supplementation was not associated with randomisation (B = - 0·01, 95 % CI - 0·03, 0·04). Change in β-CTX status was also not associated with change in n-3 PUFA status (B = - 0·002, 95 % CI - 0·01, 0·01). These findings provide no evidence for an association between n-3 PUFA supplementation (1·48 g EPA+DHA/d) for 12 weeks and bone resorption in humans assessed by β-CTX, and suggest that n-3 PUFA supplementation may be unlikely to be of benefit in preventing bone loss.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Bone Resorption / blood
  • Bone Resorption / prevention & control*
  • Collagen Type I / blood
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / blood
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peptides / blood
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Collagen Type I
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-6
  • Peptides
  • collagen type I trimeric cross-linked peptide