Correlation of omega-3 fatty acids intakes with acculturation and socioeconomic status in midwestern Latinas.
BACKGROUND
Low socioeconomic status (SES) and acculturation of Latino immigrants in the U.S. are linked to a decrease in diet quality.


METHODS
Interviews were conducted with 162 first generation Latinas to examine the association of SES and acculturation with intake of omega-3 (n - 3) fatty acids. Each participant provided dietary intake by use of a validated n - 3 food frequency questionnaire administered twice, 4 weeks apart, three 24-h recalls, sociodemographic information and completed the 5-item Short Acculturation Scale.


RESULTS
Mean intakes of Total n - 3, α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (g/d) were 1.2 ± 0.7, 1.1 ± 0.6, and 0.1 ± 0.1, respectively. After adjusting for energy intake, education was significantly correlated with EPA + DHA intakes, and acculturation was significantly correlated with Total n - 3, ALA and EPA + DHA intakes. Foods sources of EPA + DHA eaten by at least 50% of participants were chicken, shrimp, tuna and eggs.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the beneficial cardiovascular effects of n - 3 fatty acids, it is important to understand sociocultural factors affecting adequate intake towards an improvement in diet quality in minorities.
Lora
Karina R
KR
Center for Public Health and Health Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA. lora@uchc.edu
Lewis
Nancy M
NM
Eskridge
Kent M
KM
Stanek-Krogstrand
Kaye
K
Travnicek
Daryl A
DA
D000069:Acculturation; D000328:Adult; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D015146:Midwestern United States; D012923:Social Class
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3