title: PUFAs, Bone Mineral Density, and Fragility Fracture: Findings from Human Studies.
abstract: Osteoporosis is a global health problem that leads to an increased incidence of fragility fracture. Recent dietary patterns of Western populations include higher than recommended intakes of n-6 (ω-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) relative to n-3 (ω-3) PUFAs that may result in a chronic state of sterile whole body inflammation. Findings from human bone cell culture experiments have revealed both benefits and detriments to bone-related outcomes depending on the quantity and source of PUFAs. Findings from observational and randomized controlled trials suggest that higher fatty fish intake is strongly linked with reduced risk of fragility fracture. Moreover, human studies largely support a greater intake of total PUFAs, total n-6 (ω-6) fatty acid, and total n-3 (ω-3) fatty acid for higher bone mineral density and reduced risk of fragility fracture. Less consistent evidence has been observed when investigating the role of long chain n-3 (ω-3) PUFAs or the ratio of n-6 (ω-6) PUFAs to n-3 (ω-3) PUFAs. Aspects to consider when interpreting the current literature involve participant characteristics, study duration, diet assessment tools, and the primary outcome measure.
authors.affiliation: Center for Bone and Muscle Health, and Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada.
authors.forename: Amanda B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Longo
authors.affiliation: Center for Bone and Muscle Health, and Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada wward@brocku.ca.
authors.forename: Wendy E
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9518-9608
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Ward
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D064887:Observational Studies as Topic; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D058866:Osteoporotic Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D064167:Recommended Dietary Allowances / Q000639:trends; D017747:Seafood / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6
keywords: arachidonic acid; bone health; bone mineral density; docosahexaenoic acid; eicosapentaenoic acid; fatty acids; fracture; osteoporosis; women's health; α-linolenic acid