Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Painful Temporomandibular Disorder in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Abstract

Objective: Omega-6 and omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play opposing roles in inflammation, anxiety, and nociception, all of which are closely associated with chronic pain. We hypothesized that diets high in omega-6 arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6, AA) and low in combined omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3, DHA) would be associated with higher odds of painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

Design: We analyzed baseline data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). Two 24-hr dietary recall surveys quantified intake of long-chain omega-6 and omega-3 PUFAs along with their precursors, linoleic acid (C18:2n-6, LA) and alpha linolenic acid (C18:3n-3, ALA) respectively. Omega-3 PUFAs supplementation was quantified. Interviewer-administered questions assessed TMD. Survey multiple logistic regression estimated covariate-adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence limits (CL) for associations between PUFAs and TMD.

Setting: From 2008-2011, HCHS/SOL recruited 16,415 adults of Hispanic/Latino backgrounds (Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Mexican, Central/South American), through field centers located in Miami, FL; San Diego CA; Chicago, IL; and the Bronx, NY.

Participants: 13,870 participants with non-missing data.

Results: In analysis adjusted for covariates, each standard deviation increase in dietary intake of C20:4n-6, AA was associated with 12% higher odds of TMD (OR=1.12, CL:1.01, 1.24). Although the dietary intake of combined long-chain C20:5n-3, EPA and C22:6n-3 DHA was not associated with TMD, each standard deviation increase in omega-3 dietary supplement was associated with lower odds of TMD.

Conclusions: A diet rich in C20:4n-6, AA was associated with higher odds of painful TMD.