Fish and seafood consumption and omega 3 intake in French coastal populations: CALIPSO survey

Abstract

Objective: To describe part of the results of the CALIPSO study, i.e. to provide seafood consumption data on high seafood consumers in France and its contribution to n-3 long-chain (LC) PUFA intake. Design and subjects: A total of 1011 individuals aged 18 years and over, who consumed fish and seafood at least twice weekly, were recruited. A consumption survey and a local 'total diet study' were performed to examine seafood consumption, fatty acids composition of seafood and to assess n-3 LC PUFA intake. Setting: The CALIPSO survey was conducted in four French coastal regions (Le Havre, Lorient, La Rochelle and Toulon). Methods: The subjects were questioned about their consumption habits, especially concerning fish and seafood, through a first validated FFQ. A sample of the most consumed seafood products (n 47) was analysed for each region for its fatty acid composition. Fatty acids and especially n-3 LC PUFA intakes in this population were then calculated. Results and conclusions: The average consumption of fresh and frozen fish was found to be 633, 636?5 and 787?8 g/week among men aged 18-64 years, women aged 18-64 years and people over 65 years, respectively. In these population groups, the consumption of crustaceans and molluscs was 270?3, 259?9 and 279?3 g/week, respectively. The results show that, irrespective of the age group and gender, consumption of fish and seafood twice weekly without excluding oily fish allowed people to reach the national and international recommended n-3 LC PUFA intakes and demonstrates the validity of the French recommendations for fish consumption. KeywordsFish Seafood Consumption Fatty acids Omega 3For many years seafood, i.e. fish, molluscs and crustaceans, has often been the focus of attention in nutritional research and recommendations. These products are considered to be an important source of iodine, vitamin D, proteins and fatty acids, especially the n-3 long-chain (LC) PUFA, although only half the French population follows the recommendation of the French National Nutritional-Health Programme to consume fish at least twice a week (1) . The protective role of n-3 PUFA has been demonstrated in primary prevention and, above all, secondary prevention of CVD. n-3 LC PUFA might help to reduce mortality from CVD, though not morbidity (2,3) . n-3 LC PUFA supplements might help to reduce cardiovascular risks by lowering the risk of sudden death of people with a history of cardiovascular problems (4) . Dietary n-3 LC PUFA and n-3 LC PUFA supplements have been demonstrated to be linked with n-3 LC PUFA concentrations in blood, plasma, tissues or human milk, being responsible for beneficial effects on visual and mental health and neurodevelopment (5,6) .Nevertheless, at present, the respective mechanism of action of each of EPA and DHA is debatable. As described in the Symposium 'n-3 fatty acids: recommendations for therapeutics and prevention' convened by the Institute for Human Nutrition of Columbia University on 21 May 2005 (7) , confusion exists about the recommendations ...

Systematic Review on N-3 and N-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake in European Countries in Light of the Current Recommendations - Focus on Specific Population Groups

“…However, even when diets were evaluated over a longer period, foods may have been grouped together (e.g., n-3 PUFA-rich fish and fish less rich in n-3 PUFAs), which may reduce the specificity of intake data. Second, some studies took the use of food supplements into consideration [40,41,42] or even selected participants based on very high seafood consumption (a survey in French coastal populations) [43], while others specifically excluded fish oil supplement users [44,45,46] and some studies just did not report whether or not supplements were taken into consideration. Also, in some countries the use of food supplements in general (not specifically, n-3 PUFA supplements) by pregnant and lactating women is quite common (e.g., in the study of Rodriguez-Bernal, 55.8% of the women report the use of multivitamin supplements) [42], which may explain the large variation in PUFA intake.…”

Long-chain n-3 PUFAs from fish oil enhance resting state brain glucose utilization and reduce anxiety in an adult nonhuman primate, the grey mouse lemur

“…Both groups were supplemented for 12 months. In the n-3 LCPUFA-supplemented group, the intake of EPA (20:5 n-3) and DHA (22:6 n-3) represented ‫ف‬ 0.06% and 0.3% of total energy, respectively, which is equivalent to the highest level of consumption of French coastal populations ( 23 ) and corresponds to the recommended daily intake of EPA and DHA for the French population ( 22 ). These proportions correspond to a daily intake of about 6 mg EPA and 30 mg DHA per animal.…”

Determination of 20 trace elements in fish and other seafood from the French market

“…Based on a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), 63 seafood products including fish, molluscs, crustaceans and seafood-based dishes were selected in four French coastal areas, covering 88-100% of total seafood consumption (Bemrah et al, 2009). Local sampling took into account the frequencies and quantities consumed, and the purchase place of consumers for each species according to the methodology developed previously (Leblanc et al, 2005).…”

“…Moreover, the absence of French data on the levels of ''indirect'' or ''direct'' exposure to certain substances (omega 3 and pollutants in particular) of populations consuming large quantities of seafood does not enable a quantified assessment of the benefits or risks associated with these dietary habits, a situation that is obviously prejudicial to the global health risk evaluation and management process. The objectives of the CALIPSO study (Consommations ALimentaires de produits de la mer et Imprégnation aux éléments traces, PolluantS et Oméga 3) started in 2004 were to assess food exposure and biomarkers of exposure of the main toxic trace elements present in fish and other seafood and products from a group of frequent consumers (Bemrah, Sirot, Leblanc, & Volatier, 2009;Guérin, Sirot, Volatier, & Leblanc, 2007;Leblanc, 2006;Sirot, Guérin, Volatier, & Leblanc, 2009;Sirot, Oseredczuk, BemrahAouachria, Volatier, & Leblanc, 2008a;Sirot, Samieri, Volatier, & Leblanc, 2008c;Sirot et al, 2008b). The study shows that the contaminant levels measured in fish and other seafood are globally satisfactory when compared with currently applicable regulations, with the exception of a few products.…”