Abstract
The American Heart Association’s Strategic Impact Goal Through 2020 and Beyond recommends ≥ two 3.5-oz fish servings per week (preferably oily fish) partly to increase intake of omega3-fatty acids eicoapentaenoic acid (EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We examined the intake of total fish, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, α-linolenic acid EPA, and DHA in U.S. adults (19+ years) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2008. Usual intakes from foods alone and from foods plus dietary supplements were determined using the methods from the National Cancer Institute methods. Mean usual intake of total fish and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids was 0.61 ± 0.03 and 0.15 ± 0.03 oz/day, 0.43 and 0.07 respectively. Total fish and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids median intake was 0.43 and 0.07 oz/day, respectively. Intake from foods alone for ALA, DHA and EPA was 1.5 ± 0.01 g/d, 63 ± 2 mg/d, and 23 ± 7 mg/d, respectively. ALA, DHA and EPA from food only median intakes were 1.4 g/d, 50 mg/d and 18 mg/d, respectively. Intake of ALA, DHA and EPA from foods and dietary supplements was 1.6 ± 0.04 g/d, 72 ± 4 mg/d, and 41 ± 4 mg/d, respectively. While intakes of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA were higher in older adults (0.13 ± 0.01 oz/d for those 19-50 yrs and 0.19 ± 0.02 oz/d for those 51+ year; p<0.01) and in males as compared to females (0.18 ± 0.02 vs 0.13 ± 0.01 oz/d, respectively; p<0.05), few are consuming recommended levels. Males also had higher (p<0.05) intake of EPA and DHA from foods and dietary supplements as compared to females (44 ± 6 vs 39 ± 4 and 90 ± 7 vs 59 ± 4 mg/d, respectively) and older adults had higher intakes of EPA but not DHA as younger adults (EPA: 34 ± 3 vs 58 ± 9, P<0.05; DHA: 68 ± 4 vs 81 ± 6, P>0.05). Specific strategies to increase fish high in omega-3 fatty acids need to be developed and if EPA and DHA are important to increase then supplementation may need to be considered.
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