Study Finds Omega-3 Fatty Acid Consumption Lowers Risk of Periodontal Disease

Eating Fatty, Cold Water Fish Can Lower Inflammation, Even in the Gingival Tissues

Study Finds Omega-3 Fatty Acid Consumption Lowers Risk of Periodontal Disease

The Journal Nutrition recently reported that Japanese researchers found that high EPA (eicosaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid Omega-3 levels inversely correlated with progression of periodontal disease in older people.

Periodontal diseases are those diseases that affect one or more of the periodontal tissues – which are tissues that both surround and support the teeth. While many different diseases affect the tooth-supporting structures and tissues, plaque-induced inflammatory lesions make up the vast majority of periodontal diseases. Bacteria in plaque around the teeth slowly damage and erode the gum tissues. The infected gums undergo inflammation and can eventually lead to tooth loss.

The study was conducted on 55 74-year-old participants whose dietary intakes were analyzed and on whom dental examinations were conducted annually for the duration of the 5-year-study.

The results of the study found that the participants who had low levels of DHA experienced more periodontal disease during the study.

Good Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Salmon, flax seeds and walnuts are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Very good sources of these healthy fats include scallops, cauliflower, cabbage, cloves and mustard seeds. Good sources of these fats include halibut, shrimp, cod, tuna, soybeans, tofu, kale, collard greens, and Brussels sprouts.

Studies have proven that a relatively small number of omega-3 food sources can have a measurable impact on your blood levels of omega-3s, including those two key omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. For example, two weekly servings of a non-fried, omega-3 containing fish (like wild-caught Pacific salmon) is enough to boost your blood levels of omega-3s.

Omega-3 supplements are also an excellent way to boost blood levels of EPA and DHA, but quality is always a concern when purchasing supplements. A quality name brand should be sought when purchasing these supplements as lower quality supplements are more likely to have high levels of mercury, a known neurotoxin.