Omega-3 fatty acids not just good for your heart

By now you know that polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce your risk of heart disease. A lesser known type of polyunsaturated fatty acids are the omega-6 fatty acids. Emerging research suggests that it's not just the amount of omega-3s in your diet, but also the ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s that is important.

What you may not be aware of is that the types of fats you eat may also have an effect on your bones. Studies in animals shave shown that a diet high in saturated fats may actually reduce bone density. Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, seem to promote bone formation, but study results have varied. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University recently published an encouraging study on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids derived from plants (walnuts and flaxseed, specifically) on the blood markers of bone formation (Nutrition Journal).

Their findings were part of a larger study on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the risk factors for heart disease. The 23 participants in the study were all overweight or obese and had moderately high cholesterol. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups, then in what is known as a crossover study, each group followed one of three diets for six weeks. There followed a three-week period where the participants ate their regular diet, then for another six weeks each group followed a second study diet. This pattern repeated once more so that all three groups followed all three diets in random order.

The three study diets were as follows: an "average American" diet, which contained higher levels of saturated fats than the other two diets, and two diets which were lower in saturated fats as well as having varying ratios of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. All three diets were otherwise fairly balanced nutritionally and were designed to maintain each participant's body weight. Before and after each six-week study diet period the participants' blood was tested for markers of bone formation and bone turnover.

The scientists found that there was less bone turnover with the diets higher in polyunsaturated fatty acids, although the difference between the two diets with different ratios of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids was small.

What this means for you

Low bone turnover means that the bones maintain their density better and longer, and you know how important it is to have strong bones. All the more reason to reduce your intake of saturated fats and increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Here's a list of different types of fish and their levels of omega-3 fatty acids per 4-ounce serving.

First posted: March 2, 2007