Fatty acid intakes and food sources in a population of older Australians.
OBJECTIVE
To document dietary intakes and food sources of fatty acids among older Australians.


METHODS
Population-based survivor cohort.


METHODS
Two postcode areas in the Blue Mountains, West of Sydney, Australia.


METHODS
In 1997-9, 2334 people aged 55 years and over, participated in a 5-year follow-up of the cohort attending the Blue Mountains Eye Study (BMES). Dietary data were collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire by 2005 persons (86% of those examined). Types of fats were classified as saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA) and trans unsaturated fatty acids.


RESULTS
Mean total fat intake contributed 31.3% of daily energy intake (12.2% SFA, 11.2% MUFA, 5.0% PUFA). Mean omega 3 (n-3) PUFA intake comprised 0.5% of energy intake (long chain n-3 PUFA provided mean intake of 260mg, consisting of eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosapentaenoic (DPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids) and the n-6: n-3 PUFA ratio was 9:1. The main fatty acids contributing to the diet were palmitic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid. Meat products were the highest contributors to total fat and MUFA intakes; milk products were the highest contributor to SFA intakes; and fat spreads and oils, and breads and cereals were the main food groups contributing to PUFA intakes. Fish was the main source of long chain n-3 fatty acids.


CONCLUSIONS
This population-based descriptive study documents fatty acid intakes in a population of older Australians. It will serve as a basis for investigations of associations between dietary fatty acid intakes and a number of eye diseases.
Flood
Victoria M
VM
NSW Centre for Public Health Nutrition, Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, University of Sydney, Australia.
Webb
Karen L
KL
Rochtchina
Elena
E
Kelly
Bridget
B
Mitchell
Paul
P
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D001315:Australia; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004032:Diet; D004034:Diet Surveys; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044242:Trans Fatty Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis
D004041:Dietary Fats; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D044242:Trans Fatty Acids