engleski

Estimate of omega-3 fatty acids dietary intake by fish consumption in preschool children of coastal Croatia

Omega-3 fatty acids are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids recognized as essential in the human diet. They are important structural components of cell membranes and beneficial to human health, particularly cardiovascular, visual, and mental functions. Furthermore, they have a crucial functional and structural role during foetal and postnatal development and growth. Fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The latter is transferred from an expectant mother to the foetus through the placenta and to the infant by breast milk in a lactating mother. During early childhood, fish consumption is therefore of great interest in terms of EPA/DHA intake estimation. We assessed the dietary intake of EPA and DHA fatty acids in correlation with fish consumption in children of preschool age in the Zadar County (northern Dalmatia), Croatia (N=100, mean age 6.5 years). The data on frequency of fish consumption were collected by parents’ answers given in dietary questionnaires. Estimated daily intakes were calculated based on recent literature data on PUFA content in common Adriatic Sea fish species. These values were: EPA 38.4 mg/day, DHA 111.2 mg/day, and EPA+DHA 149.5 mg/day. The estimated values represent ca. 75 % RDI for EPA+DHA by Joint FAO/WHO Experts (2008) in children of that age. We can conclude that the estimated daily intake of studied omega-3 fatty acids in preschool children of coastal Croatia does not fully meet the RDI value.

children; daily intake; DHA; EPA; fish consumption

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