| Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and long chain PUFA (LCPUFA) may play a role in bone health, but evidence is scarce in human males. The objective of this study is to determine if the dietary intake of PUFA and LCPUFA, particularly the omega-3 LCPUFA, and their subsequent levels in red blood cell (RBC) membranes are associated with higher bone mineral density (BMD) of the whole body, spine, hip, and femoral neck in healthy middle aged men. Anthropometric measurements, assessment of dietary and supplement intake, assessment of total and weight-bearing physical activity, quantification of total fatty acid levels in RBC membranes, and assessment of BMD using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was conducted in a cross-sectional sample of healthy middle-aged men. Statistical Analysis using the student t-test for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake and status above and below the median was conducted, followed by multiple linear regression analysis to confirm the results of the t-test while accounting for covariates including body mass index (BMI), serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), calcium intake, alcohol intake, and physical activity. Higher dietary intake of EPA+DHA was associated with higher whole body and spine BMD and spine z-score. Higher EPA intake was associated with higher spine z-score. Finally, higher EPA status (% in RBC) was associated with higher whole body and spine BMD; and of femoral neck and spine z-scores. These preliminary results suggest that men with higher intakes of EPA and DHA and higher EPA status have improved bone health. However, it appears the LCPUFA status is a stronger predictor than dietary LCPUFA intake. |
