The research progress and potential applications of n-3 fatty acids in orthopaedics: a narrative review

n-3 PUFA, including ALA, EPA and DHA, are widely found in plant oils and marine organisms. These fatty acids demonstrate significant biological effects, and their adequate intake is essential for maintaining health. However, modern diets often lack sufficient n-3 PUFA, especially among populations that consume little fish or seafood, leading to a growing interest in n-3 PUFA supplementation in nutrition and health research. In recent decades, the role of n-3 PUFA in preventing and treating various diseases has gained increasing attention, particularly in cardiovascular, neurological, ophthalmic, allergic, hepatic and oncological fields. In orthopaedics, n-3 PUFA exert beneficial effects through several mechanisms, including modulation of inflammatory responses, enhancement of cartilage repair and regulation of bone metabolism. These effects demonstrate potential for the treatment of conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, fractures, sarcopenia and spinal degenerative diseases. This review summarises the clinical applications of n-3 PUFA, with a focus on their research progress in the field of orthopaedics, and explores their potential in the treatment of orthopaedic diseases.