Summary
This large randomised controlled trial found that daily supplementation with 1 g marine omega-3 fatty acids (EPA+DHA) had no effect on fracture risk over 5.3 years in generally healthy midlife and older adults. Whilst supplementation produced a small increase in whole-body areal bone mineral density, it had no effect on fracture incidence or on other measures of bone mineral density and strength. The findings suggest that omega-3 supplementation does not confer skeletal protection in this population, despite preclinical evidence suggesting potential benefits.
UK applicability
These findings are directly applicable to UK populations, as the VITAL trial included a large, geographically diverse cohort of generally healthy adults similar in age and baseline health status to UK midlife and older populations. The results may inform guidance on omega-3 supplementation for bone health in UK clinical practice and public health recommendations.
Key measures
Hazard ratios for incident fractures; areal bone mineral density (aBMD) by DXA; volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), cortical thickness, and bone strength indices by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT); adverse events
Outcomes reported
The study measured incident fractures (total, nonvertebral, and hip) over a median 5.3-year follow-up period in a large cohort of generally healthy adults. A subcohort underwent measurement of areal and volumetric bone mineral density, cortical thickness, and bone strength indices at two years.
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