A method for assessing dietary intakes of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids in an Irish adult population

Abstract

The present study aimed to quantify dietary intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and trans fatty acids (trans FA) in Irish adults using the North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey (NSIFCS). To update the NSIFCS database, specific approaches were necessary to select accurate data. Published references were the main data source used to update for EPA and DHA (21.7%), while the UK Nutrient Databank was most frequently used to update for trans FA (46.7%). Total EPA and DHA mean daily intake was 275 mg/day whilst trans FA mean daily intake was 0.72% food energy. Younger adults had significantly lower intakes of EPA and DHA than older adults. The present study shows that dietary EPA and DHA intakes in the Irish adult population are below recommendations, especially among the younger population. Conversely, trans FA intakes are within the recommended value of < 2% food energy.

Keywords::

• Eicosapentaenoic acid
• docosahexaenoic acid
• trans fatty acids
• dietary intake
• Ireland

Declaration of interest: This study was funded by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (DAFF) under the FIRM research measure (Grant no. 05/R&D/TCD/375).The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.