Abstract 13338: Sociodemographic Differences in the Associations Between Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels and Lipid Profiles in the United States

Abstract

Introduction: Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids have been shown to improve cardiovascular disease related lipid profiles, however, it is unclear whether these benefits vary by sociodemographic status. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study to examine sociodemographic differences in n-3 fatty acids and their associations with lipid profiles in the general US population. Methods: Data from 2,444 participants in the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used in the study. Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were measured in serum and analyzed as a percentage of total fatty acids. The primary outcomes included LDL/HDL ratio, total cholesterol/HDL ratio, and log of triglycerides/HDL ratio. Survey weighted regression with domain analysis were used to test for sociodemographic differences in associations. Results: We found that males had significantly lower levels of total n-3 fatty acids than females. Compared with Non-Hispanic Whites, Mexican Americans had lower levels of n-3 fatty acids, while Non-Hispanic Asians had higher levels. Omega-3 levels were also highest in college graduates and participants with a household income greater than $65,000. After adjusting for relevant confounders, we found an inverse association between DHA and LDL/HDL (-0.14 per 1% higher relative DHA; 95% CI:-0.25,-0.02), total cholesterol/HDL (-0.31; 95% CI: -0.45,-0.17), and triglyceride/HDL (-0.26; -0.34,-0.17). We also found an inverse association between EPA and triglyceride/HDL (-0.15; 95% CI: -0.26, -0.5). No associations were found with DPA. Subgroup analysis revealed that the association between DHA and LDL/HDL ratio was only significant in females, Non-Hispanic Whites, those with an annual household income greater than $65,000, and college graduates. Subgroup analysis of total cholesterol/HDL revealed an inverse association with EPA in females, Non-Hispanic Blacks, and college graduates. Conclusions: In the United States, the beneficial effects of n-3 fatty acids on lipid profiles vary by sociodemographics. These results may be due to sociodemographic inequalities in n-3 fatty acid consumption.