U.S. adults are not meeting recommended levels for fish and omega-3 fatty acid intake: results of an analysis using observational data from NHANES 2003–2008

Abstract

BackgroundThe American Heart Association’s Strategic Impact Goal Through 2020 and Beyond recommends ≥ two 3.5-oz fish servings per week (preferably oily fish) partly to increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We examined the intake of total fish, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, α-linolenic acid, EPA, and DHA in U.S. adults (19 + years) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003–2008.MethodsUsual intakes from foods alone and from foods plus dietary supplements were determined using the methods from the National Cancer Institute.ResultsMean usual intake of total fish and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids was 0.61 ± 0.03 and 0.15 ± 0.03 oz/day, 0.43 and 0.07 respectively. Total fish and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids median intake was 0.43 and 0.07 oz/day, respectively. Intake from foods alone for ALA, EPA and DHA was 1.5 ± 0.01 g/d, 23 ± 7 mg/d and 63 ± 2 mg/d, respectively. ALA, EPA and DHA from food only median intakes were 1.4 g/d, 18 mg/d and 50 mg/d, respectively. Intake of ALA, EPA and DHA from foods and dietary supplements was 1.6 ± 0.04 g/d, 41 ± 4 mg/d and 72 ± 4 mg/d, respectively. While intakes of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids were higher in older adults (0.13 ± 0.01 oz/d for those 19–50 yrs and 0.19 ± 0.02 oz/d for those 51+ year; p < 0.01) and in males as compared to females (0.18 ± 0.02 vs 0.13 ± 0.01 oz/d, respectively; p < 0.05), few consumed recommended levels. Males also had higher (p < 0.05) intake of EPA and DHA from foods and dietary supplements relative to females (44 ± 6 vs 39 ± 4 and 90 ± 7 vs 59 ± 4 mg/d, respectively) and older adults had higher intakes of EPA, but not DHA compared to younger adults (EPA: 34 ± 3 vs 58 ± 9, p < 0.05; DHA: 68 ± 4 vs 81 ± 6, p < 0.05).ConclusionsAs omega-3 fatty acids are deemed important from authoritative bodies, supplementation in addition to food sources may need to be considered to help U.S. adults meet recommendations.

Metabolism and functional effects of plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids in humans

“…Comparison between individual developed countries shows that average intake of ALA among adults has about a 3-fold variation [29,43,44] (Table 1). For example, French adults consume an average of about 0.8 g/d ALA, which is about one half to one third of the average intake of adults in Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark, Finland and Germany ( Table 1).…”

There is No Association Between the Omega-3 Index and Depressive Symptoms in Patients With Heart Disease Who Are Low Fish Consumers

“…Rates of depression vary widely across the world [50] and the intake of long chain omega 3 varies between countries [51], with several including Australia [52] and the USA [53] reporting that population intakes are below the recommended levels. A recent study in the USA examined plasma LCn3PUFA concentrations as a biomarker assessment of LCn3PUFA status in a nationally representative cohort (NHANES) and reported that nearly the whole population had levels below those associated with cardiovascular protection [54].…”

Focusing on Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and its Cardiovascular Complications

“…In spite of these recommendations, the intake of marine omega-3 fatty acids is low among the average U.S. adult population (41 mg/day and 72 mg/day of EPA and DHA from foods and supplements, respectively) [26] . Whether the aforementioned dietary recommendation or other doses of marine omega-3 fatty acids are suitable for OSA patients at high risk of CVD and with suboptimal marine omega-3 intake remains to be established.…”