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Assessment of Omega‐3s Knowledge on Blood Lipids among Registered Dietitians
Author(s) -
Li Cheng,
PalmerKeenan Debra
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.675.5
Subject(s) - medicine , docosahexaenoic acid , eicosapentaenoic acid , triglyceride , family medicine , fatty acid , polyunsaturated fatty acid , cholesterol , chemistry , organic chemistry
The beneficial effects of omega 3 fatty acids (n‐3s) on lowering triglyceride (TG) levels have been well established. For patients with high fasting TG levels, the American Heart Association recommends two to four grams of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day. While n‐3s’ clinical use is well‐documented, incomplete and/or incorrect information regarding their effects on blood lipids is prevalent. The objective of this cross‐sectional study was to assess dietitians’ knowledge of n‐3s and their effects on blood lipids. All Registered Dietitians (RDs) listed in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/Commission on Dietetics Registration database who were not retired as of April 2015 were invited to participate. Structured telephone interviews including two open‐ended questions were used to examine if and what they knew about n‐3s and the effects on blood lipids. Of the eligible RDs, 262 completed the study and were included in the final analyses. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, means and standard deviations) and Chi‐Square tests were performed using SAS (version 9.3). Among the RDs who participated, most were women (95%), non‐Hispanic White (85%), and had a master degree or higher (60%). Mean years of professional practices was 19.3+11.7. Forty percent of RDs identified they specialized (defined as over 50% of time) in medical nutrition therapy (MNT). An assessment of RDs’ general knowledge of n‐3s revealed that, 24% were not able to name any types of n‐3s. Among those who could (n=200), DHA were the most frequently identified (84%), followed by EPA (80%), and ALA (46%). Thirteen percent erroneously identified linoleic acid as one type of n‐3s. When asked if n‐3s affected blood lipids levels, 77% said n‐3s did. However, when asked to specify the types of blood lipids (n=202), only 39% mentioned n‐3s could lower triglycerides. A higher percentage of RDs who specialized in MNT identified n‐3s effects of lowering TGs than those who did not ( x 2 =6.33; p = 0.0119). Thirty seven percent said n‐3s could decrease low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and 36% mentioned n‐3s could increase high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), which were not well supported in current literature; in fact some research has shown conflicting results (n‐3 supplements might slightly increase LDL). Further, 14% mentioned n‐3s could decrease total cholesterol. These results did not differ between RDs who specialized in MNT or those who didn't. In conclusion, some RDs generally have knowledge on the types of n‐3s and their effects on lowering triglycerides, but many do not. Since RDs working in MNT are on the front lines of giving nutrition and health recommendations for patients, and their knowledge base was inconsistent, more research‐based education on n‐3s may be needed Support or Funding Information United States Department of Agriculture, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Grant Number: NJ14208; (Multi‐State Project NC‐1199)