Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Intake by Ethnicity, Income, and Education Level in the United States: NHANES 2003-2014.

Caleb Cave,Lynette M Smith,Adams Kusi Appiah,Penny Kris-Etherton,Corrine Hanson,Ann C Skulas-Ray,Karl Stessy Bisselou,Ann Anderson-Berry,Melissa Thoene,Maranda Thompson,Tara M Nordgren,Chesney K Richter,Nicholas Hein

doi:10.3390/nu12072045

Abstract

Although there are many recognized health benefits for the consumption of omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), intake in the United States remains below recommended amounts. This analysis was designed to provide an updated assessment of fish and n-3 LCPUFA intake (eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and EPA+DHA) in the United States adult population, based on education, income, and race/ethnicity, using data from the 2003–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (n = 44,585). Over this survey period, participants with less education and lower income had significantly lower n-3 LCPUFA intakes and fish intakes (p < 0.001 for all between group comparisons). N-3 LCPUFA intake differed significantly according to ethnicity (p < 0.001), with the highest intake of n-3 LCPUFA and fish in individuals in the “Other” category (including Asian Americans). Supplement use increased EPA + DHA intake, but only 7.4% of individuals consistently took supplements. Overall, n-3 LCPUFA intake in this study population was low, but our findings indicate that individuals with lower educational attainment and income are at even higher risk of lower n-3 LCPUFA and fish intake.

Highlights

Omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can offer many health benefits when regularly consumed in sufficient quantities
The purpose of this study was to identify subgroups of the United States (US) population that are at greater risk for low n-3 LCPUFA intake (EPA, DHA, and EPA + DHA) by comparing differences in current intake according to education level, ethnicity, and income
We assessed differences in EPA and DHA intake in the US according to ethnicity, education, and income using 2003–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data

Summary

Introduction

Omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can offer many health benefits when regularly consumed in sufficient quantities. Health benefits of n-3 LCPUFA include reduction of preterm birth, decreased risk. Symptomatic polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency, which presents with scaly skin and dermatitis, is very rare in the United States (US), the Western diet typically includes lower amounts of n-3 LCPUFA than those recommended for age and gender groups by the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization [14,17,18,19,20] (Table 1).

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion