title: Omega-3 Index of Canadian adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cardioprotective properties have been associated with two fatty acids-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The Omega-3 Index indicates the percentage of EPA+DHA in red blood cell fatty acids. Omega-3 Index levels of the Canadian population have not been directly measured.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data for respondents aged 20 to 79 from cycle 3 (2012/2013) of the Canadian Health Measures Survey were used to calculate means and the prevalence of Omega-3 Index coronary heart disease (CHD) risk cut-offs-high (4% or less), moderate (more than 4% to less than 8%), and low (8% or more)-by sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, including fish consumption and use of omega-3 supplements. Associations between the Omega-3 Index and CHD-related factors including biomarkers, risk factors, and previous CHD events, were examined in multivariate regression models.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean Omega-3 Index level of Canadians aged 20 to 79 was 4.5%. Levels were higher for women, older adults, Asians and other non-white Canadians, omega-3 supplement users, and fish consumers; levels were lower for smokers and people who were obese. Fewer than 3% of adults had levels associated with low CHD risk; 43% had levels associated with high risk. No CHD-related factor was associated with the Omega-3 Index when control variables were taken into account.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Omega-3 Index levels among Canadian adults were strongly related to age, race, supplement use, fish consumption, smoking status and obesity. Fewer than 3% of adults had Omega-3 Index levels associated with low risk for CHD.
authors.affiliation: Health Analysis Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.
authors.forename: Kellie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Langlois
authors.affiliation: Nutrition Research Division, Health Canada.
authors.forename: Walisundera M N
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Ratnayake
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002170:Canada; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000032:analysis*; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid
keywords: Coronary heart disease; DHA; EPA; RBC fatty acid composition; fish consumption