NASA Studies Suggest Omega-3 Reduces Bone Loss
Several studies done on NASA astronauts have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may play a role in mitigating bone breakdown that occurs during spaceflight and in osteoporosis.
NASA studies bone density loss because it is one of the main effects of exposure to the weightlessness of space.
In a series of cell-based studies, scientists documented that adding a specific omega-3 fatty acid to cells would inhibit the activation of factors that lead to bone breakdown.
A separate study that simulated some of the effects of weightlessness, including muscle and bone loss, found that higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with less bone loss.
Based on these studies, the investigators evaluated bone loss in astronauts and compared their findings to reported fish intake during spaceflight. Researchers found that astronauts who ate more fish lost less bone mineral after four-to-six-month spaceflights.
"These results are very exciting, and provide initial evidence that nutrition may be a key factor in mitigating bone loss in astronauts," said NASA nutritionist Scott Smith.
Other ways to prevent bone loss include getting adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D, either through food sources or nutritional supplements, as well as regular exercise.
- DrCutler.com
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