A practical approach to increasing intakes of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: use of novel foods enriched with n-3 fats.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of providing a wide range of foodstuffs containing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), occurring naturally or from fortification, on intake and blood and tissue proportions of n-3 PUFA.


METHODS
Before/after dietary intervention study.


METHODS
Adelaide, Australia.


METHODS
16 healthy males recruited from the community.


METHODS
Subjects were provided with a range of foodstuffs naturally containing n-3 PUFA (fresh fish, canned fish, flaxseed meal, canola oil) and items fortified with fish oil (margarine spread, milk, sausages, luncheon meat, french onion dip). Food choices were left to the discretion of each subject. Intake was estimated by diet diary. Blood was collected at-2, 0, 2, and 4 weeks for fatty acid analysis.


METHODS
Dietary intakes; plasma, platelet, and mononuclear cell phospholipid fatty acids.


RESULTS
Consumption of n-3 PUFA increased significantly: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from 1.4 to 4.1 g/day (P<0.001), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from 0.03 to 0.51 g/day (P<0.001), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from 0.09 to 1.01 g/day (P<0.001). Linoleic acid (LA) intake decreased from 13.1 to 9.2 g/day (P<0.001). The proportions of EPA and DHA increased significantly in all phospholipid pools examined; plasma EPA from 1.13% of total fatty acids to 3.38% (P<0.001) and DHA from 3.76 to 7.23% (P<0.001); mononuclear cell EPA from 0.40 to 1.25% (P<0.001) and DHA from 2.33 to 4.08% (P<0.001); platelet EPA from 0.41 to 1.2% (P<0.001) and DHA from 1.64 to 3.07% (P<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Incorporating fish oil into a range of novel commercial foods provides the opportunity for wider public consumption of n-3 PUFA with their associated health benefits.


BACKGROUND
Dawes Scholarship, Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Metcalf
R G
RG
Department of Rheumatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia. robert.metcalf@adelaide.edu.au
James
M J
MJ
Mantzioris
E
E
Cleland
L G
LG
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid