Investigating the Role of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Bone Development Using Animal Models

Abstract

Incorporating n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the diet may promote the development of a healthy skeleton and thereby reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis in later life. Studies using developing animal models suggest lowering dietary n-6 PUFA and increasing n-3 PUFA intakes, especially long chain n-3 PUFA, may be beneficial for achieving higher bone mineral content, density and stronger bones. To date, the evidence regarding the effects of α-linolenic acid (ALA) remain equivocal, in contrast to evidence from the longer chain products, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This review reports the results of investigations into n-3 PUFA supplementation on bone fatty acid composition, strength and mineral content in developing animal models as well as the mechanistic relationships of PUFA and bone, and identifies critical areas for future research. Overall, this review supports a probable role for essential (ALA) and long chain (EPA and DHA) n-3 PUFA for bone health. Understanding the role of PUFA in optimizing bone health may lead to dietary strategies that promote bone development and maintenance of a healthy skeleton.

Fructose Consumption Does Not Worsen Bone Deficits Resulting From High-Fat Feeding in Young Male Rats

“…[53] Differences also existed in the dietary fat source and composition between the Control (soybean oil) and HF (lard) diets, with both HF diets containing a higher saturated and monounsaturated fat and lower polyunsaturated n-3 (linolenic) and n-6 (linoleic) fatty acids (PUFA), which may affect bone development. [54,55] However, the above possibilities would likely affect cancellous and cortical bone in a directionally similar manner, which contrasts the divergent cancellous/cortical outcomes that we observed in HF animals.…”

Effects of dietary oil sources, calcium and phosphorus levels on growth performance, carcass characteristics and bone quality of broiler chickens

“…The authors attributed this to the fact that calcium soaps of dietary unsaturated free fatty acids (oleic acid, C18:1) were absorbed by the bird as opposed to calcium soaps formed with saturated free fatty acids (palmitic acid, C16:0) in postpeak laying hens and broilers. Similarly, Lau et al (2010), Lau et al (2013) and Watkins et al (2000) observed consistent and reproducible beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on bone metabolism and bone/joint diseases. Furthermore, Corwin (2003) found that high-oil diets, especially those rich in saturated fatty acids, may contribute to reduced bone density and increased fracture risk, in older as well as younger people.…”

Creatine, L-Carnitine, andω3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation from Healthy to Diseased Skeletal Muscle

“…Importantly, ω 3 PUFAs have shown beneficial effects on bone health in animal studies [164, 165] but current research suggests only a modest increase in bone turnover in humans [166]. …”