polyunsaturated fatty acids

(Elsevier Health Sciences) Periodontitis, a common inflammatory disease in which gum tissue separates from teeth, leads to accumulation of bacteria and potential bone and tooth loss.

In an article in the November issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers from Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health found that dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids like fish oil, known to have anti-inflammatory properties, shows promise for the effective treatment and prevention of periodontitis.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are important for a number of functions in the body.

They are found in foods such as fatty fish and vegetable oils and are also available as dietary supplements.

People take omega-3 supplements to improve their health and prevent various diseases. This fact sheet provides a general overview of omega-3 fatty acids—with a focus on dietary supplements—and suggests sources for additional information.