•  
  •  
 

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

vitamin k, omega-3, fatty acids, osteoporosis treatment, bone

College

Life Sciences

Department

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science

Abstract

Bone deterioration affects all people. Postmenopausal women are affected more than men. However, the elderly tend to shrink instead of maintain the same height because their bone density is diminishing. Death is a result of severe osteoporosis. Bone mineral growth is said to be increased by pharmacologic levels of vitamin K, supplemented by a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Frequent doses of vitamin K in one’s diet cause the bone mineral density to increase in individuals affected by the disorder. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the risk for the onset of osteoporosis. This research experiment is based on the hypothesis that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), supplemented with pharmacologic levels of vitamin K, together have a combined effect to reduce bone mineral loss rate in ovariectomized rats. The approach to this problem is to test rats with a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, along with pharmacologic levels of vitamin K supplements to discover the combined affect of both of these compounds on bone mineral density. This study is still in process using overiectemized rats which are an animal model for osteoporosis research. Female rats with their ovaries removed lose bone mineral density at an increased rate.

Download

Share

COinS