n–3 Fatty acids are positively associated with peak bone mineral density and bone accrual in healthy men
This raises some interesting questions. It is well accepted (in the research, anyway…) that inflammation is a major player in bone loss. Increased inflammation (notably increased levels of TNF-alpha, a key player in inflammation) increases the number of osteoclasts–the cells that break down bone. This leads to an increase in the breakdown in bone without balanced building up of bone.
But this study evaluated the fatty acids of younger men. I would generally consider breaking the “inflammation cascade” as being effective in an older population, and would think that increased bone breakdown would be less of an issue in younger patients. So either my thinking is off, and inflammation is a player much earlier then we would think (which is scary in and of itself) or there is another mechanism at work. Either way, increased intake of healthier fats coupled with solid Vit D intake (supplemental or sun) will go a long way towards protecting bone health.
