Docosahexaenoic Acid Status of Pregnant and Lactating Women in Coastland, Lakeland and Inland of China

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to assess the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status in Chinese pregnant and lactating women, since there has been lack of reliable data during the past decade in China.Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted in coastland (Weihai), lakeland (Yueyang) and inland (Baotou) of China from May to July 2014. 1210 women who were at the 2nd trimester (17±2 wks), the 3rd trimester (39±2 wks) or lactating (42±7 d postpartum) were enrolled equally from the three regions. Dietary DHA was assessed via an iPad‐based food frequency questionnaire. Fatty acid profiles were assayed by capillary gas chromatography; DHA levels were expressed as a percentage by weight of total fatty acids.Results: The overall median DHA intake was 17.5 (IQR: 7.0‐41.8) mg/d, and the highest was in coastland (27.8 mg/d), followed by lakeland (19.4 mg/d) and the lowest in inland (9.0 mg/d). The mean plasma DHA was 2.24±0.70; the highest was also in coastland (2.66), followed by lakeland (2.22) and the lowest in inland (1.86). The erythrocyte DHA was 6.17±1.49, which also declined from coastland to inland; corresponding levels were 6.91, 6.25 and 5.37. The trend tests across three regions for DHA intake and the levels of DHA in plasma and erythrocyte were all significant (p values <.0001).ConclusionThe DHA intake is substantially inadequate compared to the authoritative recommendation. However, in comparison to other populations in literature, plasma and erythrocyte DHA for Chinese women in coastland and lakeland ranks higher, and for inland at medium level.