Bel Marra Health Reports on New Research Revealing Omega-3 to Prevent Hip Fractures and Breaks
Toronto, ON (PRWEB) July 15, 2013 -- Bel Marra Health, who offers high-quality, specially formulated vitamins and nutritional supplements, reports on a new study revealing how nutrients found in certain foods may prevent hip breaks and fractures.
As Bel Marra Health reports in its article, (http://www.belmarrahealth.com/healthy-eating-2/how-to-prevent-broken-hips-with-fish/), the population in North America is aging, and along with aging comes an increased risk of hip fractures from falls. Hip fractures are serious injuries that often result in long-term disability in the senior population, with three quarters of these hip fractures occurring in women. New research published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research suggests that higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood may help to significantly reduce the risk of hip fractures and bone damage in post-menopausal women. Such studies comprise a growing mound of research that continues to highlight the incredible importance of diet and proper nutrition to the essential preservation of health, mobility and well-being as people age.
Researchers analyzed blood samples as well as hip fracture records from 341 pairs of participants from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study. The WHI study was a large prospective study that enrolled participants in the years between 1993 and 1998 and followed them for 15 years. Half of the participants analyzed had broken their hips before 2008 while the other half had not. The researchers found that the higher levels of total Omega-3 fatty acids and two other specific Omega-3’s (alpha-linoleic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid) alone were associated with a reduced risk of hip damage. Interestingly, women who had the highest ratio of Omega-6 fatty acids to Omega-3 fatty acids had a two-fold increased risk of hip fracture compared to women that had the lowest ratio.
The current study did not look at the mechanisms of how Omega-3 fatty acids and hip fractures are related but they hypothesized that damage caused by inflammation may be responsible for hip fractures. Inflammation may contribute to bone resorption (breaking down of bone) and they suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and thereby reduce damage to the bone.
Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids are poly-unsaturated, essential fatty acids, meaning that they contribute to vital biological processes in the body. However, it also means that the body can’t produce them on its own and they therefore must be obtained through diet. While both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are needed in the body, increasing the intake of Omega-3 fatty acids and limiting the intake of Omega-6 fatty acids will provide optimal health benefits. This is because most American’s get high doses of Omega-6s in their daily diet through vegetable oil and other oils. The findings from the current study suggests that adding healthy food, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, may help to prevent hip fractures, especially in post-menopausal women. Healthy food that contains alpha-linoleic (ALA) includes plant sources including flax seeds and some nuts. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is found in fatty fish. For added bone protection, incorporate these healthy food options into a diet on a regular basis.
In addition to adding healthy food options into healthy eating, other steps can be taken to reduce the risk of bone damaging falls which will help to reduce the risk of hip fractures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are a number of steps that can be taken; including exercising regularly by performing cardiovascular activities, strength training and balance exercises will help to maintain strength and balance, thereby reducing risk of falling. As well as having a doctor review prescriptions to help to ensure that the medication being taken doesn’t cause dizziness or balance issues. Moreover, having eyes checked regularly to ensure that the glasses or contacts that provide optimal vision, and making home safety improvements, such as grab bars throughout the house, extended toilets, and removing tripping hazards at home.
More research is needed to determine if there is a cause and effect relationship between high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and a reduced risk of hip fracture. In the meantime, adding healthy food into a diet that contains Omega-3 fatty acids and taking additional steps to for fall prevention may help to provide protection against hip fractures and disability. According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended dosage of Omega-3 fatty acids should be approximately 1.6 grams a day, consisting of 90 percent (1.4 grams) of ALA and 10 percent (0.1-0.2 grams) of DHA and EPA.
(SOURCE: Ohio State University (2013, June 27). Could a diet high in fish and flax help prevent broken hips?. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 12, 2013.)
Bel Marra Health is the maker of "Extra Strength Omega-3 Miracle," a high-quality nutritional supplement that helps maintain cardiovascular health, supports healthy cholesterol, reduces triglycerides, helps support cognitive health and brain function, and promotes healthy mood balance. All ingredients are backed with scientific evidence. Every product is tested for safety, quality, and purity at every stage of the manufacturing process. Furthermore, Bel Marra Health products are produced only in Health Canada approved facilities, going the extra mile to ensure that our health-conscious customers are getting top quality products. For more information on Bel Marra Health, visit belmarrahealth.com or call 1-866-531-0466.
Jim Chiang, Belmarra Nutritionals, Inc, http://www.belmarrahealth.com/, 866-531-0466, [email protected]
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