Comparison of the effects of canola oil versus sunflower oil on the biochemical markers of bone metabolism in osteoporosis

Recently, omega-3 fatty acids are in the center of attention for their potent anti-inflammatory effects. Osteoporosis as a chronic senile disease is associated with inflammation, and the role of inflammatory mediators has been demonstrated in the recent years. The beneficial effects of n-3 fatty acids on bone were proven in many animal studies, while to date, no conclusive data is available in human. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of n-3 fatty acids on bone biomarkers in osteoporotic women. Forty osteoporotic post-menopausal women were recruited in the study and randomized in receiving either 40 g canola oil or the same amount sunflower oil per day as their dietary oil for 3 months. Serum levels of osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), N telo peptide collagen (NTX) and 25- hydroxy vitamin D3 were measured at baseline and at the end of the third month in both groups. In the canola oil group, BALP and NTX were increased after 3 months while osteocalcin decreased in both groups slightly; however, none of these changes were significant. In both groups, serum vitamin D3 was increased significantly; however, this change between groups was not significant. Canola oil did not affect bone formation and resorption significantly after 3 months consumption. Further investigations with longer follow up are recommended.