Evaluation of a Rapid Assessment Questionnaire Using a Biomarker for Dietary Intake of n‐3 Fatty Acids

Abstract

While there is considerable evidence supporting health benefits of consuming diets high in omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, there is no quick and effective tool to measure n-3 intake. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a rapid assessment questionnaire (the Omega-3 Checklist) used to quantify intake of n-3 fatty acids. This was done by comparing n-3 intakes to blood biomarkers of n-3 exposure in a population of healthy men and women. In addition, a separate analysis was run including covariates age, sex, and weight, which have been shown to affect n-3 biomarker levels. Reported intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docoshexaenoic acid (DHA), and EPA + DHA was correlated with erythrocyte EPA (Spearman's rank correlation r s = 0.51, p < 0.001), DHA (r s = 0.54, p < 0.001), and the Omega-3 Index (r s = 0.57, p < 0.001). These associations remained significant when controlling for age, sex, and weight. Therefore, the Omega-3 Checklist can be a useful, rapid assessment tool to estimate individuals' EPA and DHA intake.Lipids (2019) 54: 321-328. AbbreviationsALA α-linolenic acid DHA docoshexaenoic acid EPA eicosapentaenoic acid FFQ food frequency questionnaire n-3

Linoleic Acid‐Rich Oil Alters Circulating Cardiolipin Species and Fatty Acid Composition in Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Some studies have demonstrated that BMI and gender may alter blood levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. [ 44,45 ] When BMI or gender were tested for affecting the cumulative levels of LA in PBMCs, erythrocytes or plasma, and LA 4 CL, neither variables modified the effect of diet group on changes of LA or LA 4 CL.…”

“…[ 77 ] A partial description of the study design, participant inclusion and exclusion criteria, and methods was described previously. [ 44 ] Written informed consent was provided by all participants. Healthy adults (≥18 years old) were recruited from the Columbus, Ohio area.…”

“…Fatty acid analysis was conducted via gas chromatography as previously described. [44,71,78] In brief, total lipids from plasma, PBMC, and the cookies were extracted with 2:1 (v/v) chloroform:methanol [79] and methylated using 5% hydrochloric acid in methanol. [80] Fatty acids in erythrocyte were extracted and methylated using 14% boron trifluoride in methanol.…”

Dietary Fat Chain Length, Saturation, and PUFA Source Acutely Affect Diet-Induced Thermogenesis but Not Satiety in Adults in a Randomized, Crossover Trial

“…Due to low recruitment, study criteria were revised to include men and women aged 18 to 50 years, body mass index between 18 and 34.9 kg/m 2 , and free of major medical conditions. Exclusion criteria included: smoking and nicotine use, steroid use other than oral contraceptives for women, pregnancy or lactation, diagnosed eating disorder, diabetes, diagnosed cardiovascular, pulmonary, skeletal, and metabolic diseases, use of medications known to affect appetite, blood lipids, body composition, body weight, or food intake (appetite control drugs, steroids, or antidepressants), women not using oral hormonal contraception, and high LCn-3 intake measured by the “Omega-3 checklist” [ 26 ]. Participants were excluded if they had lost > 10% of their weight in the two months preceding screening and/or were actively attempting weight loss.…”