Omega-3s May Reduce Risk of Hip Fracture

Omega-3s are usually linked with brain and heart health, but these essential nutrients may be important for other health reasons as well. A recent study suggests that consuming more fish and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may help lower the risk of hip fracture.

For their analysis and review, researchers examined data from 19 studies in total, 9 in the meta-analysis and 10 in the systematic review. The studies included a total of 292,657 participants, all of whom were 20 years or older.

After examining the data, the researchers found a significant inverse association between eating fish and the risk of hip fracture. That continued to be true in studies with a sample size of more than 10,000. They also found that dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs was inversely associated with a risk of hip fracture.

Researchers from Tehran University of Medical Sciences conducted the study. It was published online ahead of print on December 15, 2017, in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.

Omega-3s have been linked to a number of health benefits, including improved mood, improved joint mobility, reducing the risk of age related macular degeneration, and aiding your immune system.

Because omega-3 fatty-acids are not found naturally in the human body, it is especially important to make sure that they are a part of your daily diet. Oily, dark fish such as tuna and salmon are high in omega-3s. For people who don’t like fish, consider taking a daily high quality non-fish supplement that has been tested for purity and potency.