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Q&A: Omega-3 fatty acid consumption inadequate despite awareness
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A study published in Nutrients showed that blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids are significantly below the optimal range in 98% of the population, regardless of adequate knowledge about diet and the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
The study, conducted by the Global Nutrition and Health Alliance (GNHA), showed that although omega-3 fatty acids are an essential part of a heart-healthy diet, people have lower levels compared with other vitamins due to not getting enough of them from foods.
Cardiology Today discussed the results of the study, as well as the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, with Suzanne R. Steinbaum, DO, FACC, director of women’s heart health at the Heart and Vascular Institute at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York and a co-founder of GNHA.
Question: Why did you and your colleagues undertake this study?
Answer: Omega-3 fatty acids are considered “essential” nutrients because the body needs them to function but can’t create them on its own. That means people need to consume omega-3s through dietary sources, but unfortunately it is difficult to get enough of them through diet alone. Diet is one of the most controversial health issues, and we felt it was important to assess the perception of healthy diets vs. the reality. Our results show that knowledge about the importance of diet and nutrition is not enough to influence the intake of omega-3 fatty acids. As opposed to studies that measure the benefits of omega-3 as if it were a drug or treatment, this study measured the dietary knowledge and habits of healthy adults, emphasizing awareness and intake of omega-3s based on objective blood testing.
Q. What are the implications for patients and clinicians?
A. Omega-3s provide several essential health benefits to humans, including contributions to brain health and development, skin, joints and vision. Not only are they important for the development of your eyes, but they also contribute to keeping your eyes healthy as we age. Another important benefit is to heart health, of which most consumers are aware. The most important outcome of the study was that people don’t understand they are low in omega-3 fatty acids. They feel like they are eating a good diet, but 98% of them were below the optimal zone. People need to ensure they are having two fatty fish meals per week and physicians should ask patients if they are getting enough fatty fish meals, and if not, help them in the appropriate choice of a dietary supplement.
Q. What are some of the challenges moving forward and what are the next steps for research?
A. The GNHA is looking at the importance of nutrition and the effects of nutrition on our population. It’s studying what we need — what vitamins, what nutrients — and if we are getting enough. I’m interested in knowing more about what we can do to correct the insufficiencies and deficiencies so that we can be as healthy as we can be. A nice follow-up would be to look at the omega-3 index, an erythrocyte-based biomarker associated with CVD risk, in people who are already using omega-3 supplements, since the study we conducted was in adults who don’t use them. Then, we need to better understand the role of supplementation to reach optimal omega-3 levels recommended for CV health, which would allow us to better guide consumers with treatment recommendations for preventive care.
Q. Have there been any further developments since the publication of these data?
A. Our study showed that there is a disconnect between knowledge and practice. Study participants knew that omega-3s were important and they knew how to get them. They just weren’t acting on that knowledge. So, we need to have a better way to help consumers meet these optimal omega-3 levels other than just providing education. We need to inspire real action.
Q. Other than education, what can physicians be doing to encourage their patients to get appropriate levels of o mega-3 fatty acids?
A. Physicians need to talk to their patients about the importance of diet, and the role of omega-3s as part of a healthy diet. Discussing dietary patterns and assessing the vitamin and nutrient content of the food choices being made is essential. It is also important for physicians to encourage blood testing to get an objective evaluation of the omega-3 level. In doing this, it can explain exactly what the dietary needs are and give physicians a way to be able to decide whether diet alone is enough, or if supplementation might be required. The easiest way to monitor omega-3 intake is through an omega-3 index blood test.
Omega-3s are essential fats that our bodies do not produce, so evaluating how much we are taking in is essential to heart, brain, joint and eye health. The fact that a blood test can determine if you are getting enough, allows us to better understand how to get our nutritional needs met. When the food you eat does not provide enough, consider alternative ways to increase your daily intake, such as a supplement, as omega-3s are essential to our overall health.
Reference:
Thuppal SV, et al. Nutrients. 2017;doi:10.3390/nu9090930.
For more information:
Suzanne R. Steinbaum, DO, FACC, can be reached at 110 E. 59th St., Suite 8A, New York, NY 10022; email: ssteinbaum@nshs.edu.
Disclosure: Steinbaum reports she is a consultant for Reckitt Benkiser.