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Fish consumption and use of omega 3 supplements in a sample of older A ustralians
Author(s) -
Grieger Jessica Anne,
Miller Michelle,
Cobiac Lynne
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
nutrition and dietetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.479
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1747-0080
pISSN - 1446-6368
DOI - 10.1111/1747-0080.12019
Subject(s) - demographics , fish <actinopterygii> , fish consumption , food frequency questionnaire , fish oil , long chain , consumption (sociology) , medicine , fatty acid , environmental health , food science , zoology , biology , demography , fishery , chemistry , biochemistry , social science , sociology , polymer science
Aim Despite the established health benefits of fish, particularly long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acids, data on fish intake and the use of fish oil supplements in adult Australian is not well documented. In a sample of Australian adults aged ≥51 years, the aims were to determine: (i) the current intake of finfish/seafood and long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acids; (ii) the percentage meeting current Heart Foundation recommendations for long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acid intakes; and (iii) the percentage consuming omega 3 supplements. Methods This was a cross‐sectional survey. Eight hundred and fifty‐four Australians aged ≥51 years completed the survey online or by computer‐assisted telephone interview. The survey included the quantitative fish frequency questionnaire and open‐ and closed‐ended survey questions on demographics and supplement usage. Results The mean frequency of finfish/seafood consumption was 1.7 times per week (median intake 173 g). Thirteen per cent (n = 112) consumed finfish/seafood never/<1 per month and were considered ‘low consumers’; 34% ate any type of finfish/seafood ≥2 times per week. Excluding the low consumers, the mean (±standard deviation) daily intake of long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acids was 508 ± 855 mg and 28% consumed the recommended intake of 500 mg/day from finfish/seafood alone. Forty‐three per cent consumed omega 3 supplements. Conclusions Current fish consumption in older Australians is low and many do not meet the current recommendations. A further understanding of why many older adults consume low amounts of finfish/seafood is necessary. Strategies to enhance intake to meet dietary recommendations in this older age group are required.