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Total Long‐Chain n‐3 Fatty Acid Intake and Food Sources in the United States Compared to Recommended Intakes: NHANES 2003–2008
Author(s) -
Richter Chesney K.,
Bowen Kate J.,
Mozaffarian Dariush,
KrisEtherton Penny M.,
SkulasRay Ann C.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
lipids
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.601
H-Index - 120
eISSN - 1558-9307
pISSN - 0024-4201
DOI - 10.1007/s11745-017-4297-3
Subject(s) - docosahexaenoic acid , national health and nutrition examination survey , eicosapentaenoic acid , medicine , population , fatty acid , environmental health , food science , polyunsaturated fatty acid , biology , biochemistry
The American Heart Association recommends consuming fish (particularly oily fish) at least two times per week, which would provide ≈ 0.5 g/day of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Previous analyses indicate that this recommendation is not being met; however, few studies have assessed different ethnicities, subpopulations requiring additional n‐3 fatty acid intake (i.e., children and pregnant and/or lactating women), or deciles of intake. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2008 was used to assess n‐3 fatty acid intake from foods and supplements in the US population, according to age, sex, and ethnicity. A unique “EPA equivalents” factor, which accounts for potential conversion of shorter‐chain n‐3 fatty acids, was used to calculate total long‐chain n‐3 fatty acid intake. Data are reported for 24,621 individuals. More than 90% consumed less than the recommended 0.5 g/day from food sources (median = 0.11 g/day; mean = 0.17 g/day). Among the top 15% of n‐3 fatty acid consumers, fish was the largest dietary contributor (71.2%). Intake was highest in men aged 20 years or more, and lowest in children and women who are or may become pregnant and/or are lactating. Among ethnicities, intake was lowest in Mexican‐Americans. Only 6.2% of the total population reported n‐3 fatty acid supplement use, and this did not alter median daily intake. Additional strategies are needed to increase awareness of health benefits (particularly among Mexican‐Americans and women of childbearing age) and promote consumption of oily fish or alternative dietary sources to meet current recommendations.