PUFAs Lower Gum Disease Risk

ST. LOUISEating foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as salmon and nuts, may help prevent gum disease or periodontitis, according to a new study published in the November issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

Researches examined data from more than 9,000 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2004. Researchers divided participants into three groups based on their consumption of omega-3 oils; consumption was determined by asking the participants what they had eaten in the previous 24 hours. The prevalence of periodontitis in the study sample was 8.2 percent; there was an approximately 20-percent reduction in periodontitis prevalence in those subjects who consumed the highest amount of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The reduction correlated with eicosapentaeonic acid (EPA) was smaller, while the correlation to linolenic acid (LNA) was not statistically significant.

The authors suggest the results showed that eating even a moderate amount of food containing omega-3 fatty acids could significantly reduce the risk of developing gum disease. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been recommended by the American Heart Association, as they contribute to overall health and help to reduce the risk of heart problems.

Foods that contain significant amounts of polyunsaturated fats include fatty fish like salmon, peanut butter, margarine and nuts.