Intake of very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids related to social status and lifestyle

Abstract

Objectives: Little information is available about the intake of very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids in random samples of populations. We examined if the intake of these fatty acids was associated with gender, social status and lifestyle in a similar way as other indicators for a healthy diet in a nationwide survey.

Design and subjects: Data were obtained from self-administered quantitative food frequency questionnaires filled in by a representative sample of Norwegian men and women, aged 16–79 y. 3144 (63%) of the invited subjects responded with acceptable questionnaires.

Results: Daily intake of very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids was on average 0.9 g/d and 0.4% of total energy was derived from these fatty acids. Energy derived from very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids was slightly higher among men than women, and two-fold higher among subjects aged 60–79 vs 16–29 y. White collar workers had higher intake of very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids than blue collar workers. Men and women in the highest quartile of intake of very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids had 2–3 E% higher fat intake (mostly mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids), as compared to individuals in the lowest quartile. They also had 3–4 fold higher daily intake of retinol and vitamin D, as well as 20–50% higher intake of fruits and vegetables, dietary fibre and vitamin C.

Conclusions: Intake of very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids was correlated to indicators for healthy dietary habits. However, contrary to many other indicators of a healthy diet, energy derived from very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids was not significantly associated with female gender or non-smoking.

Sponsorship: Ministry for Health and Social Affairs, Ministry for Agriculture and Norwegian Research Council.