OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS MAY BENEFIT PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS MAY BENEFIT PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE
Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disease that inflicts GUM tissue and structures supporting the teeth, is more prevalent in the United States than originally estimated, possibly by 50 percent. New research is revealing some relief, possibly via omega-3 fatty acids. Two separate studies investigated the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and periodontal disease.
Researchers at Harvard University reported supplementing with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as omega-3s, may be an effective treatment and prevention of periodontitis. They found omega-3 fatty acid intake, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are inversely associated with periodontitis in the U.S. population.
More than 9,000 adults participated in a five year study. These people received dental examinations and their dietary DHA, EPA and LNA (linolenic acid) intake were estimated from 24-hour food recall interviews and data regarding supplementary use of PUFAs were captured as well. There was an approximately 20-percent reduction in periodontitis prevalence in those subjects who consumed the highest amount of dietary DHA. The reduction correlated with EPA was smaller, while the correlation to linolenic acid was not statistically significant.
Separately, Japanese researchers found there may be an inverse, independent relation of dietary DHA intake to the progression of periodontal disease in older people. Fifty-five participants aged 74 years were randomly selected for this study. Dietary intake data were obtained and dental examinations were carried out at baseline and once a year for 5 years. Low DHA intake was significantly associated with more periodontal disease.
Both of these studies show promise for omega-3s’ role in inflammation, including oral inflammation, i.e., periodontal disease. So now there is another good reason for ensuring that we get an adequate supply of omega-3s in our daily diet. This means eating plenty of foods, such as fish, nuts and olive oil.
Researchers at Harvard University reported supplementing with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as omega-3s, may be an effective treatment and prevention of periodontitis. They found omega-3 fatty acid intake, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are inversely associated with periodontitis in the U.S. population.
More than 9,000 adults participated in a five year study. These people received dental examinations and their dietary DHA, EPA and LNA (linolenic acid) intake were estimated from 24-hour food recall interviews and data regarding supplementary use of PUFAs were captured as well. There was an approximately 20-percent reduction in periodontitis prevalence in those subjects who consumed the highest amount of dietary DHA. The reduction correlated with EPA was smaller, while the correlation to linolenic acid was not statistically significant.
Separately, Japanese researchers found there may be an inverse, independent relation of dietary DHA intake to the progression of periodontal disease in older people. Fifty-five participants aged 74 years were randomly selected for this study. Dietary intake data were obtained and dental examinations were carried out at baseline and once a year for 5 years. Low DHA intake was significantly associated with more periodontal disease.
Both of these studies show promise for omega-3s’ role in inflammation, including oral inflammation, i.e., periodontal disease. So now there is another good reason for ensuring that we get an adequate supply of omega-3s in our daily diet. This means eating plenty of foods, such as fish, nuts and olive oil.
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