Omega-3 dietary fatty acid status of healthy older adults in Tasmania, Australia: An observational study

OBJECTIVES: To determine the dietary and supplement intake of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of older Tasmanian adults; their plasma n-3 PUFA status and the relationship between n-3 PUFA intake and plasma status. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Launceston and surrounding regions, Tasmania, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-three community-dwelling older adults: 23 men aged 70 ± 6.1 years and 50 women aged 70 ± 6.7 years. MEASUREMENTS: A validated, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire estimated dietary PUFA intake. The plasma phospholipid fraction of venous blood samples was analysed for fatty acid content. Anthropometric data was recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-five participants (48%) regularly ingested a fish oil supplement. Their plasma n-3 PUFA profile contained significantly more eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (odds ratio 3.14; 95% CI 1.37% to 7.30%; p