K H Jackson1, J M Polreis2, N L Tintle3, P M Kris-Etherton4, W S Harris5. 1. OmegaQuant, LLC, 5009W. 12th St., Suite 8, Sioux Falls, SD 57106, United States. Electronic address: kristina@omegaquant.com. 2. OmegaQuant, LLC, 5009W. 12th St., Suite 8, Sioux Falls, SD 57106, United States. 3. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Dordt College, Sioux Center, IA, United States. 4. Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States. 5. OmegaQuant, LLC, 5009W. 12th St., Suite 8, Sioux Falls, SD 57106, United States; Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, United States.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: An Omega-3 Index (O3I; EPA+DHA as a % of erythrocyte total fatty acids) in the desirable range (8%-12%) has been associated with improved heart and brain health. OBJECTIVE: To determine the combination of fish intake and supplement use that is associated with an O3I of >8%. DESIGN: Two cross-sectional studies comparing the O3I to EPA+DHA/fish intake. PARTICIPANTS/ SETTING: The first study included 28 individuals and assessed their fish and EPA+DHA intake using both a validated triple-pass 24-hr recall dietary survey and a single fish-intake question. The second study used de-identified data from 3,458 adults (84% from US) who self-tested their O3I and answered questions about their fish intake and supplement use. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Study 1, chi-squared, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlations were computed. In Study 2, multi-variable regression models were used to predict O3I levels from reported fish/supplement intakes. RESULTS: The mean ± SD O3I was 4.87 ± 1.32%, and 5.99 ± 2.29% in the first and second studies, respectively. Both studies showed that for every increase in fish intake category the O3I increased by 0.50-0.65% (p < 0.0001). In the second study, about half of the population was taking omega-3 supplements, 32% reported no fish intake and 17% reported eating fish >2 times per week. Taking an EPA+DHA supplement increased the O3I by 2.2% (p < 0.0001). The odds of having an O3I of ≥8% were 44% in the highest intake group (≥3 servings/week and supplementation) and 2% in the lowest intake group (no fish intake or supplementation); and in those consuming 2 fish meals per week but not taking supplements (as per recommendations), 10%. CONCLUSIONS: Current AHA recommendations are unlikely to produce a desirable O3I. Consuming at least 3 fish servings per week plus taking an EPA+DHA supplement markedly increases the likelihood of achieving this target level.
BACKGROUND: An Omega-3 Index (O3I; EPA+DHA as a % of erythrocyte total fatty acids) in the desirable range (8%-12%) has been associated with improved heart and brain health. OBJECTIVE: To determine the combination of fish intake and supplement use that is associated with an O3I of >8%. DESIGN: Two cross-sectional studies comparing the O3I to EPA+DHA/fish intake. PARTICIPANTS/ SETTING: The first study included 28 individuals and assessed their fish and EPA+DHA intake using both a validated triple-pass 24-hr recall dietary survey and a single fish-intake question. The second study used de-identified data from 3,458 adults (84% from US) who self-tested their O3I and answered questions about their fish intake and supplement use. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Study 1, chi-squared, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlations were computed. In Study 2, multi-variable regression models were used to predict O3I levels from reported fish/supplement intakes. RESULTS: The mean ± SD O3I was 4.87 ± 1.32%, and 5.99 ± 2.29% in the first and second studies, respectively. Both studies showed that for every increase in fish intake category the O3I increased by 0.50-0.65% (p < 0.0001). In the second study, about half of the population was taking omega-3 supplements, 32% reported no fish intake and 17% reported eating fish >2 times per week. Taking an EPA+DHA supplement increased the O3I by 2.2% (p < 0.0001). The odds of having an O3I of ≥8% were 44% in the highest intake group (≥3 servings/week and supplementation) and 2% in the lowest intake group (no fish intake or supplementation); and in those consuming 2 fish meals per week but not taking supplements (as per recommendations), 10%. CONCLUSIONS: Current AHA recommendations are unlikely to produce a desirable O3I. Consuming at least 3 fish servings per week plus taking an EPA+DHA supplement markedly increases the likelihood of achieving this target level.
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