Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat found mostly in seafood, including fatty, coldwater fish such as albacore tuna, herring, lake trout, mackerel, salmon, sardines and swordfish. Other sources of omega-3s are flaxseeds, flax oil and walnuts. Small amounts are found in soybean and canola oils. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown in previous studies to help prevent or improve the symptoms of coronary heart disease , stroke, autoimmune disorders, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis and cancers of the breast, colon and prostate.

The Swedish study, which was published in the March issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, used blood testing to document omega-3 consumption in 78 young, healthy men. This is considered a more reliable method than asking participants to recall what they ate and the quantity consumed 24 to 48 hours later.

The average age of participants was 16.7 years. Each was tested for bone mineral density (BMD) at the outset of the study. BMD is the standard measure of loss of bone mass. It can be assessed using CAT scans or ultrasound, but the most commonly used test is the DEXA scan (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry). It measures the density of bones in the spine, hips and wrists. Total BMD and BMD at the spine and hip were measured at the outset and then when participants were 22 and 24 years old. Researchers measured blood concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, when participants were 22 years old.

They found positive correlations between omega-3 fatty acid concentrations and BMD at the spine. In addition, DHA levels were also associated with total BMD and BMD at the spine.

An editorial that accompanied the study in the nutrition journal recommended additional studies to further explore the potential bone health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

Copyright 2007 iVillage Total Health.