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Abstract
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are essential for healthy development and protect against metabolic disease. However, individuals with obesity may be pre-disposed to experiencing lower n-3 PUFA status than normal-weight individuals. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between the omega-3 index (O3I), body mass index (BMI) and dietary intake in healthy young women (n = 300; age = 18–35 y), a group not previously focused on. Intake was adjusted for energy using the residuals method, and associations were explored using independent t-tests and Pearson’s correlations. Participants with obesity were found to have significantly lower O3I than normal-weight participants (p < 0.0001); however, no significant differences were observed in mean n-3 PUFA intakes. Even so, energy-adjusted intakes of n-3 PUFAs, with the exception of alpha-linolenic acid, were significantly correlated with O3I. This study demonstrates that O3I is influenced by both BMI and diet in young women; however the relationship between these two variables may be complex. Current intakes of n-3 PUFA observed in young women may not be effective in achieving target O3I levels in those with obesity, and further research is needed to find effective ways of improving n-3 PUFA status in a group already at increased risk of metabolic disease.
Highlights
Rates of obesity in Australia are increasing, with 28% of adults currently classified as obese, and a total of 67% of adults classified as overweight or obese [1]
Participants were classified as either obese weight (OB) or healthy weight (HW) based on body mass index (BMI)
In this cross-sectional study, omega-3 index (O3I) was significantly negatively associated with BMI, waist circumference and CRP in healthy young women (18–35 y). These relationships were found to be independent of n-3 PUFA intake and, as the participants reported being healthy with no comorbidities, independent of other health concerns. These results suggest that there may be altered metabolic pathways in the absorption, utilisation and/or storage of n-3 PUFA in people with obesity leading to lower omega-3 status
Summary
Rates of obesity in Australia are increasing, with 28% of adults currently classified as obese, and a total of 67% of adults classified as overweight or obese [1]. Obesity is characterised by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue and is associated with higher risk of metabolic diseases and other comorbidities [2]. Obesity has been linked with excess energy intake and poor diet quality, with intake of discretionary foods, saturated and trans fats being linked with higher body mass index (BMI) [3]. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have emerged as a potential protective. Nutrients 2020, 12, 1480 nutrient against the cardiometabolic risks associated with obesity [4], but higher BMI has been linked with low omega-3 status among adults [5,6,7]. The synthesis of n-3 PUFAs cannot occur endogenously and there is poor conversion from parent fatty acids [8,9,10]. The composition of fatty acid intake has been shown to influence the composition of phospholipids in the cell membrane, with a higher intake of n-3 PUFA leading to a greater proportion of n-3 PUFA in the cell membrane [13,14]
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