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The adequacy of long-chain n-3 fatty acid intakes in primary schoolchildren

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 March 2010

J. M. McKenzie ,
M. E. Clapham  and
A. MacGregor
J. M. McKenzie
Affiliation:
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK
M. E. Clapham
Affiliation:
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK
A. MacGregor
Affiliation:
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK
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Abstract

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Abstract
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Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , Volume 69 , Issue OCE1: Over- and undernutrition: challenges and approaches. 29 June–2 July 2009 , 2010 , E73
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2009

Long-chain (LC) n-3 PUFA, particularly EPA, and DHA, play an important role in neurological and cognitive development in children(Reference Richardson1). Recent evidence suggests that the in vivo synthesis of these LC n-3 PUFA from α-linolenic acid (ALA) is less efficient than previously thought, which puts into question the adequacy of dietary intakes based on the conversion of ALA (Reference Burgde and Wotton2). Although sources of ALA can be found throughout the diet, intakes of preformed LC n-3 PUFA are restricted to relatively few less-commonly-eaten foods, such as oily fish. In response, food producers have developed innovative approaches to increasing dietary intakes of LC n-3 PUFA, targeting many of these foods at parents by implying benefits in children's learning and behaviour. There is currently no information available on the current intake of LC n-3 PUFA in children and no validated method of collecting intake data.

The aim of the present study was to assess the total intake of n-3 PUFA, with determination of the contributions of ALA, EPA and DHA, in children aged 5–8 years old using a FFQ developed to incorporate both traditional and newly-developed food products assumed to contribute to dietary intakes of n-3 PUFA.

When compared against the dietary reference value minimum recommendation for total n-3 PUFA of 0.2% total energy(Reference Burgde and Wotton2), intakes in females were significantly greater (n 22; P=0.007), while intakes in males were not significantly different (n 11; P=0.184). Intakes of total LC n-3 PUFA appeared to be significantly lower than the recommendation of 0.45 g/d(3) (P<0.0005 for both males and females).

The study indicates that despite the adequacy of dietary intakes of total n-3 PUFA in children, intakes of LC n-3 PUFA may be lower than the recommendations. Intakes of total n-3 PUFA, predominantly from ALA, were however significantly lower than the intakes reported in the National Diet and Nutrition Survey(4) (P<0.0005 for both males and females), indicating that the use of this FFQ to estimate n-3 PUFA intakes requires further validation.

References

1. Richardson, AJ (2004) Lipids 39, 1215–1222.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
2. Burgde, GC & Wotton, AS (2002) Br J Nutr 88, 411–420.Google Scholar
3. Department of Health (1991) Dietary Reference Values for Food Energy and Nutrients for the United Kingdom. Report on Health and Social Subjects no. 41. London: The Stationery Office.Google Scholar
4. Scientific Advisory Commission on Nutrition & Committee on Toxicology (2004). Advice on Fish Consumption: Benefits and Risks. London: The Stationery Office.Google Scholar
5. Gregory, JR, Lowe, S, Bates, CJ et al. . (2000). National Diet and Nutrition Survey: Young People Aged 4–18 Years. vol. 1: Report of the Diet and Nutrition Survey. London: The Stationery Office.Google Scholar