The Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Derived from Various Sources on Bone Metabolism in Growing Female Rats

Abstract

Onset and severity of osteoporosis may be delayed or lessened if bone metabolism and peak bone mass in the young is optimized through nutrition. The study objective is to determine whether different sources of omega‐3 fatty acids in the diet induce changes on bone. Young (28 day) female Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned n=10/group to a high 12% (weight) fat diet consisting of either corn oil (CO) or the omega‐3 fatty acid rich krill (KO), flaxseed (FO) or menhaden (MO). After 8‐weeks, rats were euthanized and femur and tibia were collected. Bone morphometry was measured using calipers. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium (Ca), and phosphorous (P) were determined by calorimetric enzymatic assay. Bone mineral content (BMC) was determined by ashing at 600°C. Bone strength was measured using a 3‐point bending test. There were no differences in bone morphometry, except rats fed KO had shorter (P=0.02) tibia length compared to rats fed MO. There were no significant differences in serum ALP, Ca or P among the treatment groups. BMC was higher (P<0.001) in rats fed MO and FO compared to CO. There was no significant difference in bone strength indicated by in peak force among the treatment groups. Based on the results, different sources of omega‐3 fatty acids may influence bone health.