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Importance of seafood as nutrient source in the diet of Belgian adolescents
Author(s) -
Sioen I.,
Matthys C.,
De Backer G.,
Van Camp J.,
Henauw S. De
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of human nutrition and dietetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.951
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1365-277X
pISSN - 0952-3871
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-277x.2007.00814.x
Subject(s) - food science , docosapentaenoic acid , medicine , docosahexaenoic acid , eicosapentaenoic acid , polyunsaturated fatty acid , nutrient , vitamin d and neurology , linoleic acid , dietary reference intake , vitamin e , reference daily intake , vitamin , fatty acid , environmental health , biology , biochemistry , antioxidant , ecology
Background Regular seafood consumption is recommended in dietary guidelines. The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of seafood as a nutrient source in adolescents’ diet and the extent to which seafood consumption can increase the intake of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D. Methods Consumption data recorded during seven consecutive days for 341 adolescents selected in Ghent (Belgium) were used to estimate the intake of vitamin D, linoleic (LA), α‐linolenic (LNA), arachidonic (AA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosapentaenoic (DPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid. Results The adolescents consumed on average 3.21 μg/day vitamin D, 11.7 g/day LA and 1.4 g/day LNA. The mean intakes of AA, EPA, DPA and DHA were 83.2, 55.9, 18.4 and 111.4 mg/day respectively. The major source of vitamin D was fortified margarine. Fats and oils were the main sources for LA and LNA. The intake of AA was mainly contributed by meat, poultry and eggs. Fish and seafood contributed for 84.1%, 59.3% and 64.4% respectively for EPA, DPA and DHA. Conclusion Flemish adolescents would benefit from increased seafood consumption, as this would lead to a higher intake of EPA and DHA as well as of vitamin D. Moreover, replacement of foods rich in saturated fat (SFA) by seafood products can help to reduce SFA intake.