The association between dietary omega-3 intake and osteoporosis: a NHANES cross-sectional study
Abstract
Background Recent research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in bone metabolism through their influence on bone mineral density (BMD) and the regulation of bone turnover markers. However, epidemiological evidence linking omega-3 intake to the risk of developing osteoporosis is still emerging and remains inconclusive. This study aims to clarify the role of dietary omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of osteoporosis. Methods We analyzed data from 8,889 participants categorized into normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis groups based on their BMD scores from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We measured dietary omega-3 intake using two 24-h dietary recall interviews. Dietary omega-3 intake was quantified and divided into quartiles. Multivariate logistic regression and subgroup analysis were used to explore the correlation between dietary omega-3 intake and osteoporosis. The dose–response relationship between the two was analyzed with a restricted cubic spline (RCS). Results Higher dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids was inversely associated with the risk of osteoporosis. Participants in the highest quartile of omega-3 intake had a significantly lower risk (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.53–0.93) compared to those in the lowest quartile, with a consistent trend across all adjusted models (p for trend <0.05). Subgroup analyses indicated stronger associations in individuals under 60 years of age, female and non-smokers. In individuals aged…
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