Periodontal condition in relation to intake of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Abstract

Aim: To examine whether the intake of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is associated with periodontal condition.

Material and methods: The study population consisted of non-smoking, non-diabetic and non-rheumatoid individuals in the Health 2000 Survey in Finland. Analyses were made in two age groups: 30-49 years (n = 1212) and 50-79 years (n = 980). Clinically determined sextants with gingival bleeding and teeth with periodontal pockets were used as outcome variables. Dietary data were collected by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Energy-adjusted intakes of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs, as well as ratios of EPA/AA and of DHA/AA, and omega-3/omega-6 PUFAs were used as exposures. Prevalence rate ratios were estimated using Poisson regression models.

Results: In this population, there were no statistically significant associations between the examined omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids or their ratios and the periodontal outcome variables.

Conclusions: This cross-sectional study provided evidence that individual omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids, their subclasses or ratios are not associated with periodontal health among a non-diabetic, non-rheumatoid and non-smoking population.

Keywords: gingival bleeding; inflammation; nutrition; periodontal pocketing; polyunsaturated fatty acids.