Fatty acid composition of the blood predicts bone density from childhood to adolescence
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland has shown for the first time that the fatty acid composition in the blood and the activity of certain enzymes can influence bone mineral density from childhood to adolescence. The results of the “Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC)” study were published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
The study followed 480 children over eight years. Higher levels of the fatty acids dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, nervonic acid, and arachidonic acid in the blood have been associated with higher bone density. Increased activity of the enzyme delta-6-desaturase, which regulates fatty acid metabolism, also correlated with better bone density. A higher proportion of linoleic acid, on the other hand, was associated with lower bone density.
The study highlights that individual fatty acids can have different effects on bone health, even within the same fatty acid group. The analysis of fatty acids in the blood provides more accurate information than dietary records and shows how complex fatty acid metabolism affects bone development. Muscle and fat mass of the body play an additional role in this.
The results were obtained as part of the PANIC study, which has been investigating the health and well-being of children in Kuopio since 2007. The fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography from blood samples, while bone density and body composition were measured with a DXA device. The ongoing study will continue until the end of 2026 and is expected to provide further insights into the role of diet in bone health.
Original Paper:
Lakka TA, Heinonen S, Sallinen T, Eloranta AM, Laamanen S, Skinner AM, Haapala EA, Vlachopoulos D, Barker AR, Rikkonen T, Laitinen TP, Ã…gren J, Soininen S. Plasma fatty acid composition predicts bone mineral accrual from childhood to adolescence: the PANIC study. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, zjaf104, https://doi.org/10.1093/jbmr/zjaf104
Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR
Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.
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