Correlation of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Intakes with Acculturation and Socioeconomic Status in Midwestern Latinas

Background Low socioeconomic status (SES) and acculturation of Latino immigrants in the U.S. are linked to a decrease in diet quality. Methods Interviews were conducted with 162 firstgeneration Latinas to examine the association of SES and acculturation with intake of omega-3 (n - 3) fatty acids. Each participant provided dietary intake by use of a validated n - 3 food frequency questionnaire administered twice, 4 weeks apart, three 24-h recalls, sociodemographic information and completed the 5-item Short Acculturation Scale. Results Mean intakes of Total n - 3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (g/d) were 1.2 +/- A 0.7, 1.1 +/- A 0.6, and 0.1 +/- A 0.1, respectively. After adjusting for energy intake, education was significantly correlated with EPA + DHA intakes, and acculturation was significantly correlated with Total n - 3, ALA and EPA + DHA intakes. Foods sources of EPA + DHA eaten by at least 50% of participants were chicken, shrimp, tuna and eggs. Discussion Given the beneficial cardiovascular effects of n - 3 fatty acids, it is important to understand sociocultural factors affecting adequate intake towards an improvement in diet quality in minorities.