Dietary long chain n-3 fatty acids are more closely associated with protein than energy intakes from fat.
The n-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) regulate hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism; however, EPA and DHA are naturally present in human diets in foods of animal origin, which are generally high in protein with variable triglycerides and uniformly low amounts of carbohydrate. We used dietary information for 611 individuals of 1.5-66 years to address whether EPA and DHA are associated with protein, but not fat intake. EPA, DHA and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) intakes were positively associated with protein, but not fat intake, whereas linoleic acid (18:2n-6) and α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) intakes were positively associated with fat, but not protein intake. Children 1-3 years of age have lower EPA and DHA intakes than children over 4 years or adults. Recommendations regarding EPA and DHA intake should focus on protein sources, rather than diet fat, and consider their potential roles in amino acid and protein metabolism.
Nutrition and Metabolism Research Program, Child and Family Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, University of British Columbia, 950 West 28th Ave., Vancouver, B.C., Canada V5Z 4H4.
E M
EM
Novak
S M
SM
Innis
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004041:Dietary Fats; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
D004041:Dietary Fats; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3