In the first study of its kind, researchers from Umea University in Sweden have linked increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids to increased bone mass in young men.
The small study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, enrolled 78 male participants with an average age of 17. Researchers measured bone mineral density at the start of the study.
After a follow up period of 7 years, blood serum levels of omega-3 fatty acids were positively associated with total bone mineral density and spine bone mineral density.
While further studies are needed, especially ones that include women, these findings are encouraging in terms of bone health.
Currently 1 in 4 Canadian women over the age of 50 has osteoporosis, while the disease affects 1 in 8 men over the age of 50.
Good dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, ground flaxseeds and walnuts.
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