Key Findings:
The focus of this paper is bone and correlations to n3 intakes. In adult human studies, protective effects have been observed for n-3 fatty acid intake and a lower n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio, in relation to hip bone mineral density (BMD), and for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in relation to bone resorption. Intakes of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids were assessed in relationship to hip fracture risk over 17-y of follow-up among older adult men and women in the Framingham Osteoporosis Study. Reduced risk of hip fracture was associated with ALA intake. Fish consumption, long chain n3 intakes and the (n-6):(n-3) fatty acid ratio were not associated with hip fracture risk. ALA may reduce hip fracture through protective effects on bone quality. The strongest protective effects of ALA were observed with intakes of 1.39 g/d.
ABSTRACT:
PUFA are hypothesized to influence bone health, but longitudinal studies on hip fracture risk are lacking. We examined associations between intakes of PUFA and fish, and hip fracture risk among older adults (n = 904) in the Framingham Osteoporosis Study. Participants (mean age, 75 y at baseline) were followed for incident hip fracture from the time they completed the baseline exam (1988–1989) until December 31, 2005. HR and 95% CI were estimated for energy-adjusted dietary fatty acid exposure variables [(n-3) fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), EPA, DHA, EPA+DHA; (n-6) fatty acids: linoleic acid, arachidonic acid (AA); and the (n-6):(n-3) ratio] and fish intake categories, adjusting for potential confounders and covariates. Protective associations were observed between intakes of ALA (P-trend = 0.02) and hip fracture risk in a combined sample of women and men and between intakes of AA (P-trend = 0.05) and hip fracture risk in men only. Participants in the highest quartile of ALA intake had a 54% lower risk of hip fracture than those in the lowest quartile (Q4 vs. Q1: HR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.26–0.83). Men in the highest quartile of AA intake had an 80% lower risk of hip fracture than those in the lowest quartile (Q4 vs. Q1: HR = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.04–0.96). No significant associations were observed among intakes of EPA, DHA, EPA+DHA, or fish. These findings suggest dietary ALA may reduce hip fracture risk in women and men and dietary AA may reduce hip fracture risk in men. (Authors Abstract)