Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intakes in Midwestern Women of Child-Bearing Age from Different Income and Education Levels

Abstract

Omega-3 fatty acids are required for normal fetal development. Low intakes have been documented among low income pregnant women in certain areas of the United States. The purpose of this project was to assess the omega-3 fatty acid intake in women of child-bearing age from the Midwestern United States. Three-day food records were obtained from women (n=67) of different income and education levels. Food intake records were analyzed using the Food Processor Plus Computer Program. Mean daily intakes of omega-3 fatty acids were determined. Analysis of variance and LS Means were used to test for differences in omega-3 fatty acid consumption among two income and three education levels. Mean daily consumption of omega-3 fatty acids for the entire population was 0.59±0.38g/day. The Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI, 1990) recommend an omega-3 fatty acid intake of 1.1-1.2g/day for women between the ages of 19 and 49 years. Women in the low and mid/high income groups consumed 0.74 ± 0.07g/day and 0.51±0.06 g/day, respectively (p<.01). Women with a Bachelor's Degree or higher consumed 0.89±0.09 g/day of omega-3 fatty acids, compared with women with a high school education or lower (0.39±0.07 g/day, p<.01). Food sources providing omega-3 fatty acids were fats, oils, salad dressings, whole milk, ice cream, fish and chicken. We conclude that mean intakes of omega-3 fatty acids of Midwestern women of child-bearing age are 54% of the Canadian RNI and are influenced by income and education levels.