Omega-3 for Osteoporosis: Uses, Benefits, and More

Why Omega-3 helps Treat and Prevent Osteoporosis?

Omega-3 helps treat osteoporosis because it has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce the level of inflammation in the body, which decreases osteoclast activity and reduces the breakdown of bone tissue, keeping the bones strong and healthy.

By reducing inflammation, omega-3 also increases the production of osteoblasts or the cells responsible for making more bone tissue. Increased osteoblast activity counteracts the osteoclast activity triggered by inflammation and helps keep bones strong and healthy.

Several studies support the claim that omega-3 can affect bone resorption and formation. For instance, the study, “An increase in dietary n-3 fatty acids decreases a marker of bone resorption in humans,” showed that omega-3 consumption may have a protective effect on human bone metabolism because it decreases the breakdown of bone tissue.

How Omega-3 works for Osteoporosis

Omega-3 fatty acids help treat osteoporosis by lowering the number of inflammatory markers in the blood such as C-reactive proteins (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). 

This is because omega-3 fatty acids compete with inflammatory markers over the same biological pathway that usually releases inflammatory markers. When omega-3 fatty acids take over the pathway, the number of inflammatory markers decreases, reducing inflammatory activity in the body.

By reducing of inflammation around the bones, EPA and DHA decrease osteoclast activity, preventing the unnecessary breakdown of bone tissue, which helps maintain bone health. 

Omega-3 consumption also encourages the production of osteoblasts. In the bone marrow, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can either become osteoblasts or fat cells, depending on the nutrients available to them. If omega-3 is present in the bone marrow, MSCs turn into osteoblasts that promote bone formation.

Omega-3 dose for Osteoporosis: How much to Take

There’s no official dose of omega-3 recommended for treating osteoporosis. The recommended dosage will vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated.

It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement, including omega-3. A health expert can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific health needs and any other medications you may be taking.

As a general guideline, the Food and Nutrition Board of the U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends that men take 1.6 grams of omega-3, while women take 1.1 grams of omega-3 per day if they are above the age of 18.

Omega-3 for Osteoporosis: Precautions

If you want to use omega-3 supplements to treat osteoporosis, you should consider the following precautions:

1- People with certain medical conditions

People with the following medical conditions should take precautions and consult a doctor before they begin taking omega supplements.

- Diabetes: consuming excessive omega-3 fats may lower blood sugar levels. People who have diabetes should consult a doctor to determine the appropriate dose for their condition.

- A seizure disorder: consuming excessive omega-6 fats such as GLA may cause seizures in people who have a seizure disorder.

- Allergies: people who have allergies should take precautions before taking omega fatty acid supplements.

Many omega supplements come from fish sources, and people who are allergic to fish cannot take these supplements. Some supplements may also contain peanut and soy, which are also common allergens.

2- Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

Consuming excessive omega-6 fats may cause pregnant women to have pregnancy complications such as early labor and contribute to the poor development of the fetus.

Pregnant women should also avoid omega-3 because it affects their blood clotting abilities and increases the risk of bleeding. Also, some omega-3 supplements like cod liver oil contain vitamin A, which might be harmful to the fetus.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid omega-3 fish oil supplements that come from fish that contain high amounts of mercury, such as mackerel, swordfish, or tilefish, because mercury may harm the baby.

3- Interaction with other Medications

Omega fats may interact with different medications and exacerbate certain conditions. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking omega fatty acids supplements if you take the following medication:

- Anticoagulant medication: Omega fats can interfere with blood-thinning medication. Consuming excessive amounts of omega fats can cause blood thinning or excessive bleeding.

- Blood pressure medication: consuming excessive amounts of omega fats may lower blood pressure and interfere with blood pressure medication. 

4-Vitamin A Toxicity

If you are taking omega-3 supplements, always check the amount of vitamin A. Some omega-3 supplements may contain very high amounts of vitamin A, which may cause vitamin A toxicity.

People should also avoid cod liver oil because it contains a high amount of vitamin A. They can substitute it with other omega-3 supplements that aren’t high in vitamin A like fish or krill oil.

Omega-3 for Osteoporosis: Side Effects

If you take omega-3 for osteoporosis, you may experience unwanted side effects such as an unpleasant taste in the mouth, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, low blood pressure, high blood sugar, diarrhea, headaches, and smelly sweat.

Side effects of the Omega-3-6-9 supplement

If you take an Omega-3-6-9 supplement, you may experience the following side effects: burping, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and heartburn, loss of taste, skin rash, hives, itching, prolonged bleeding from cuts, and nosebleeds.

Consult your doctor if any of the following side effects appear.