Omega-3 dietary Fatty Acid status of healthy older adults in Tasmania, Australia: an observational study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the dietary and supplement intake of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of older Tasmanian adults; their plasma n-3 PUFA status and the relationship between n-3 PUFA intake and plasma status.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Launceston and surrounding regions, Tasmania, Australia.


METHODS
Seventy-three community-dwelling older adults: 23 men aged 70 ± 6.1 years and 50 women aged 70 ± 6.7 years.


METHODS
A validated, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire estimated dietary PUFA intake. The plasma phospholipid fraction of venous blood samples was analysed for fatty acid content. Anthropometric data was recorded.


RESULTS
Thirty-five participants (48%) regularly ingested a fish oil supplement. Their plasma n-3 PUFA profile contained significantly more eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (odds ratio 3.14; 95% CI 1.37% to 7.30%; p<0.05) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (odds ratio 2.64; 95% CI 1.16% to 6.01%; p<0.05) than non-supplement users. Fish and meat were the main dietary sources of n-3 PUFAs. Participants most commonly consumed fish 3-4 times per week. Significant associations of dietary α-linolenic acid (ALA), EPA, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and DHA with plasma n-3 PUFAs were noted but not always between dietary and plasma counterparts.


CONCLUSIONS
Without the use of fish oil supplements, most study participants were unable to meet the recommended daily intake of 0.5g EPA and DHA combined; however, the plasma n-3 PUFA profile of non-supplement-users was still robust compared to other Australian and overseas studies.
Jane Pittaway, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1322, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia, Tel (+61) 3 63245495; Fax (+61) 3 63243658; Email: Jane.Pittaway@utas.edu.au.
J K
JK
Pittaway
L T
LT
Chuang
K D K
KD
Ahuja
J M
JM
Beckett
R H
RH
Glew
M J
MJ
Ball
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D000886:Anthropometry; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000097:blood; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000097:blood; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood*; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005399:Fishes; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008460:Meat; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013648:Tasmania
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D005395:Fish Oils; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid; C026219:docosapentaenoic acid