Omega-3 and bone health - Osteoporosis Message Board

osteoblast · 04-05-2007, 05:51 PM

The last time I was at the local supplement store to purchase an omega-3 supplement , the clerk said that another customer was told by her naturopath to take 6-7 capsules a day to help with insomnia. The other customer reported back that it really did help her. I am taking the omega-3 for cardio health benefits, but was intrigued by the info. I have researched on the net and found alot of info re treatment of depression and add with omega-3. ( In fact, recent research at Harvard used an omega -3 known as omegabrite for kids with add and found excellent results . The study stated that omegabrite sould be first trtmt rather than the chemical stuff they now prescribe. This is great . I have really felt frightened for all these kids taking so many drugs while they are developing.) I thought I would just do a search on "osteoporosis" and "omega-3" and see what would come up.

In a March 22, 2007 Scientific American article a recent study of omega-3 effect on bone density was discussed. It was found that higher levels of omega -3 fatty acids esp DHA were linked to greater bmd. It should be stated that the study involved 16-22 yr. old males. A comment was made by Oregon Health Sciences researchers that this study adds to a growing body of evidence that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to bone health. While I don't think that any 16-22 yr. old males are reading this healthboard, perhaps this could still be helpful for us. I wonder for those on forteo who are doing some serious bone building( hopefully) whether this would be somewhat applicable.

The article stated that perhaps the omega-3 influenced bone formation by affecting calc metabolism ,and offered other speculation. It was noted that more research is called for to further understand the test results.

There seem to be a number of reasons to take omega-3. One thing is that people should be careful that the product they purchase has been cleaned of toxins that may have been ingested by the fish.

Is anyone familiar with this area of study? Has anyone been advised to take omega-3 for bone health?

PikaB · 04-06-2007, 09:30 AM

The study "Ratio of n–6 to n–3 fatty acids and bone mineral density in older adults: the Rancho Ber***** Study" found that BMD was slightly improved by having a high ratio of n-3 (fish oil) to n-6 (vegetable oil). The entire article is available online.

But I think that eating fish is generally healthier and safer than taking capsules, since the oil in capsules may be rancid, is not absorbed by the body as well, etc.

wildflowers · 04-08-2007, 05:06 AM

Good Morning

This is just some information regarding omega-3 that I am not sure alot of folks know about, it was brought to my attention when my husband had to have surgery. Omega-3 should be stopped before surgery because it is a blood thinner, my doctor said that it was more of a blood thinner than plavix or coumadin and that if you take it before surgery the blood literally spurts rather than bleeds. Moderation is the key. I would be careful to follow directions on amount to take, rather than just assume more is better, when actually to much could be a problem. I take it for my heart and bone health but not in excess. Many times before surgery they will ask you what medications you are on, but folks do not consider vitamins, omega-3 would present any problems. My doctor said that folks swallow large amounts of vitamins and anything else they hear about that may help them but the body has a natural way of surviving, help is indicated but be careful and use good ole' common sense. Blessings! Wildflowers

montesflus · 04-08-2007, 08:01 PM

WILDFLOWERS :

To be perfectly honest, I've NEVER heard that Omega-3 was MORE of a blood thinner than Plavix or Coumadin. But to be on the safe side, I'll check out what my own docs say with regard to this. I'll let you know. I remember once, my husband's cardiologist mentioning that it was a good idea to take Omega-3, but the ''blood-thinning'' is new to me. Obviously, more checking out to do .....

Regards,

Irene

osteoblast · 04-08-2007, 09:14 PM

Wildflowers-interesting comment regarding blood thinning function of omega-3. I did a search on the net and did find some articles mentioning this. So, as you say best to be careful in the event that you are having surgery.

I didn't see any comment regarding omega-3 to be more powerful than plavix etc. If omega -3 is more powerful, you wonder why this info wouldn't be out there. You would think that it would be cheaper than the prescription drugs and could save alot of people alot of money (including the govt.) Also, if it is such a powerful blood thinner and people don't know ,it could be dangerous for some people with certain conditions. This is something that I am going to follow up on next time I talk to my dr.