Consumption of DHA + EPA by Low‐Income Women During Pregnancy and Lactation

Abstract

Background: The ω‐3‐fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is important in infant brain development and maturation. The advisable intake of the ω‐3 fatty acids DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) for pregnant and lactating women is 300 mg/d or 9 g/month. The objective of this cross‐sectional study was to test the hypothesis that low‐income pregnant/or lactating women do not consume advisable amounts of DHA+EPA and to determine whether any of the measured demographic factors were related to DHA and EPA consumption. Methods: This study was conducted September 2007 to March 2008 and used the N‐3 Fatty Acid Food Frequency Questionnaire for dietary assessment in a convenience sample of women (N = 68) enrolled in a local maternal infant health program. Women who reported fish or seafood allergies were excluded. The monthly consumption of DHA+EPA from food sources was measured, and participant race, ethnicity, country of origin, primary language, level of education, marital status, intake of prenatal vitamins containing DHA+EPA, and warnings of fish toxicity were assessed. The data were analyzed using 1‐way analysis of variance and t tests. Results: The average reported DHA+EPA intake was 1.18 g/month across all race/ethnicities. African Americans consumed significantly more DHA+EPA, 2.79 g/month, compared with Hispanics (1.64 g) and Caucasians (0.93 g). United States natives consumed significantly more DHA+EPA than immigrants (2.45 g vs 1.55 g). Conclusions: Low‐income pregnant/and lactating women in the study consumed less than the advisable amounts of DHA+EPA. Both ethnicity and country of origin are related to DHA+EPA intake.

Reliability and Validity of a Culturally Appropriate Food Frequency Questionnaire to Measure Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intakes in Midwestern African American Women of Childbearing Age

“…In contrast, Nochera et al 37 found that pregnant women (2.37 g/mo) consumed more EPA+DHA when compared to lactating women (2.04 g/mo). EPA and DHA are found predominantly in cold water fish, i.e.…”

“…Stark et al reported omega-3 fatty acid intakes for an African American population. 37 The intakes of pregnant and lactating women shown in Table 2, along with the intakes mentioned above, seem to provide evidence that pregnant and non-pregnant women are not meeting their needs for EPA and DHA intake.…”

“…Researchers concluded 51 that the low intake amounts and blood levels of DHA may not support optimal fetal DHA accretion and subsequent neural development, in this population. 37 Low fish or DHA intakes in African American women may be attributable to a variety of issues. James conducted six focus groups to explore the impact of culture and community on nutrition attitudes, food choices and dietary intake in a population of African American men and women in northern Florida.…”

“…37 Omega-3 lipid intakes are listed in Table 2. Researchers concluded 51 that the low intake amounts and blood levels of DHA may not support optimal fetal DHA accretion and subsequent neural development, in this population.…”

“…[30][31][32] This dietary assessment method has been developed and/or validated to measure omega-3 fatty acids in several diverse pregnant populations, including Mexican, 33 Finnish, 34 Dutch, 35 and Canadians. 36 FFQs that measure n-3 fatty acids have been validated in African American pregnant populations, 36,37 but to date there has not been an omega-3 fatty acid FFQ specifically created to measure African American female intakes.…”