News
Omega-3 May Help Reduce Bone Loss
May 13, 2010
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil could help mitigate bone breakdown that occurs during spaceflight and in osteoporosis, Nasa-sponsored studies have revealed.
The scientists found that adding a specific omega-3 fatty acid to cells inhibit the activation of factors that lead to bone breakdown.
The inhibited factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB), is involved in immune system behaviour and the inflammation process.
Activation of NFKB in different tissues can lead to bone and muscle loss, the report said.
The researchers found astronauts who ate more fish lost less bone mineral after four-to-six-month spaceflights.
Published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, the paper reports on four types of studies using cell culture, ground-based bed rest and data from space shuttle and International Space Station crew members.
The scientists found that adding a specific omega-3 fatty acid to cells inhibit the activation of factors that lead to bone breakdown.
The inhibited factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB), is involved in immune system behaviour and the inflammation process.
Activation of NFKB in different tissues can lead to bone and muscle loss, the report said.
The researchers found astronauts who ate more fish lost less bone mineral after four-to-six-month spaceflights.
Published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, the paper reports on four types of studies using cell culture, ground-based bed rest and data from space shuttle and International Space Station crew members.
