Direct Diet Quantification Indicates Low Intakes of (n-3) Fatty Acids in Children 4-8 Years Old

Authors: Sarah M. M. Madden, et al,
University of Guelph, Canada

Journal: Journal of Nutrition, March 2009

Summary: Researchers measured the amount of omega-3 fatty acids Canadian children ages 4-8 get through the foods they eat to compare this level with recent recommendations. Parents of 41 children duplicated the exact foods consumed by their child over a period of 3 days for macronutrient analysis. The total fat intake was 36.8 grams per day, of which 0.25 percent (92.5mg) was DHA+EPA omega-3. Based on the Dietary Reference Intakes from the Institute of Medicine, 78 percent of children did not meet the suggested adequate intake for DHA+EPA. Based on the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada recommendation (adjusted for children), 90 percent of children did not meet the suggested intake for DHA+EPA.