Levels of nutrients in relation to fish consumption among older male anglers in Wisconsin

Abstract

Fish are an important source of nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce risk of adverse health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease; however, fish may also contain significant amounts of environmental pollutants. The Wisconsin Departments of Health Services and Natural Resources developed a survey instrument, along with a strategy to collect human biological samples to assess the risks and benefits associated with long-term fish consumption among older male anglers in Wisconsin. The target population was men aged 50 years and older, who fish Wisconsin waters and live in the state of Wisconsin. Participants provided blood and hair samples and completed a detailed (paper) questionnaire, which included questions on basic demographics, health status, location of catch and species of fish caught/eaten, consumption of locally caught and commercially purchased fish, and awareness and source of information for local and statewide consumption guidelines. Biological samples were used to assess levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); vitamin D; and selenium in blood. Quantile regression analysis was used to investigate the associations between biomarker levels and self-reported consumption of fish from the Great Lakes and other areas of concern, other locally caught fish, and commercially purchased fish (meals per year). Respondents were largely non-Hispanic white men in their 60’s with at least some college education, and about half were retired. Fish consumption was high (median of 54.5 meals per year), with most fish meals coming from locally-caught fish. Multivariate regression models showed that the effect of supplement use was much greater than that of fish consumption, on nutrient levels, although consumption of fish from the Great Lakes and areas of concern was significantly associated with higher levels of vitamin D even after controlling for supplement usage.

The association between omega-3 fatty acid biomarkers and inflammatory arthritis in an anti-citrullinated protein antibody positive population

“…On average, these autoantibodies are present 35 years prior to the development of clinically apparent inflammatory arthritis (IA) and formal classification of RA [1,2]. ACPAs, measured through anti-CCP antibody tests, provide a powerful tool to study the natural history of seropositive RA due to their high specificity for future disease [37]. Environmental factors may play a role in the development of the initial systemic autoimmunity, and in the progression from autoimmunity to clinical symptoms (which include joint swelling and pain) and finally to classified RA [1,2].…”

Mercury exposure and premature mortality in the Grassy Narrows First Nation community: a retrospective longitudinal study

“…Several studies on Canadian lakes have reported that freshwater fish do not have high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids 15,35 and found no association between fish intake from these lakes and serum omega-3 fatty acids. 36,37 Many studies have shown the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on longevity. [12][13][14] Reduced longevity has deprived the Grassy Narrows community of elders, who play an important role in the transmission of knowledge and traditions.…”

The Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW) Program: An Infrastructure for Advancing Population Health

“…SHOW also supports applied public health and surveillance at the state and local level. Examples of projects with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services include oral health screening ( 18 , 38 ), as well as a long-standing collaboration to examine the health impacts of Great Lakes fish consumption across the state, among anglers and in high-risk populations (e.g., Burmese immigrants) ( 39 , 40 , 48 – 51 ).…”