Intake of very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids related to social status and lifestyle.
OBJECTIVE
Little information is available about the intake of very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids in random samples of populations. We examined if the intake of these fatty acids was associated with gender, social status and lifestyle in a similar way as other indicators for a healthy diet in a nationwide survey.


METHODS
Data were obtained from self-administered quantitative food frequency questionnaires filled in by a representative sample of Norwegian men and women, aged 16-79 y. 3144 (63%) of the invited subjects responded with acceptable questionnaires.


RESULTS
Daily intake of very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids was on average 0.9 g/d and 0.4% of total energy was derived from these fatty acids. Energy derived from very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids was slightly higher among men than women, and two-fold higher among subjects aged 60-79 vs 16-29 y. White collar workers had higher intake of very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids than blue collar workers. Men and women in the highest quartile of intake of very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids had 2-3 E% higher fat intake (mostly mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids), as compared to individuals in the lowest quartile. They also had 3-4 fold higher daily intake of retinol and vitamin D, as well as 20-50% higher intake of fruits and vegetables, dietary fibre and vitamin C.


CONCLUSIONS
Intake of very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids was correlated to indicators for healthy dietary habits. However, contrary to many other indicators of a healthy diet, energy derived from very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids was not significantly associated with female gender or non-smoking.
Johansson
L R
LR
National Nutrition Council, Norway.
Solvoll
K
K
Bjørneboe
G E
GE
Drevon
C A
CA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D003060:Cod Liver Oil; D004032:Diet; D004034:Diet Surveys; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004522:Educational Status; D015444:Exercise; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes; D006608:Hierarchy, Social; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D012727:Sex Characteristics
D004041:Dietary Fats; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D003060:Cod Liver Oil