Common Consumer Questions Regarding Omega‐3s

Abstract

Omega‐3 fatty acids (n‐3s) are gaining recognition in the scientific literature and the popular media. Research‐based, valid and reliable nutrition information on n‐3s is limited. Therefore a USDA eXtension website (ABC's of N‐3s) is being developed. This study was designed to assess consumer questions about n‐3s to inform the website development. Intercept interviews were conducted with the general public (N=352) in New Jersey's Newark Penn Station waiting rooms. Following the completion of a brief demographic survey, study participants were asked what they wanted to know about n‐3s. The participants' questions were answered from a list of responses that had been composed by a group of n‐3 researchers, unless a set response was unavailable. This process was repeated until participants' questions were exhausted. The most common questions asked were: What are n‐3s? How will n‐3s benefit me? Which foods are rich in n‐3s? What are other foods rich in n‐3s besides fish? Where can I buy foods rich in n‐3s? Are n‐3 rich foods more expensive? Do fish oil capsules have mercury in them? How much n‐3s should I consume? Are there any side effects to consuming n‐3s? What are some vegan and vegetarian sources of n‐3s? These results show that the general public has many questions regarding n‐3s, indicating a need for reliable resources on this subject. Research funded by the Center for Advanced Food Technology, Rutgers University.