Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake is Associated with Age But Not Cognitive Performance in an Older Australian Sample
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LONG-CHAIN OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID INTAKE IS ASSOCIATED WITH AGE BUT NOT COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN AN OLDER AUSTRALIAN SAMPLE A.T. WADE1, E. TREGOWETH1, D. GREAVES2, T.S. OLDS1, J.D. BUCKLEY1, H.A.D. KEAGE2, A.M. COATES1, A.E. SMITH1 1. Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia; 2. Cognitive Ageing and Impairment Neurosciences Laboratory, Justice and Society, University of South Australia. Corresponding author: Ashleigh E. Smith, Alliance for Research in Exercise Nutrition and Activity, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia 5001. Tel: +618 8302 1735. Email: [email protected]
Abstract: Background: Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3 PUFA) are essential nutrients and may be capable of delaying age-related cognitive decline. However, previous studies indicate that Australians are not meeting recommendations for LCn-3 PUFA intake. The current study therefore examined LCn-3 PUFA intake in an older Australia sample, as well as associations between LCn-3 PUFA intake and cognitive function. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 90 adults aged 50 to 80 years. LCn-3 PUFA intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and red blood cell fatty acid profiles were used to calculate the Omega-3 Index (RBC n-3 index). Cognitive function was measured using Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-III. Results: Positive associations were observed between age and RBC n-3 index (b=0.06, 95% CI: 0.01 – 0.10, P=0.01), and age and LCn-3 PUFA intake from fish oil capsules (b=17.5, 95% CI: 2.4 – 32.5 mg/day, P=0.02). When adjusting for LCn-3 PUFA from fish oil capsules, the association between age and RBC n-3 index was no longer significant. No associations were observed between LCn-3 PUFA intake and cognitive function. Conclusion: LCn-3 PUFA and fish oil consumption increased with age in this sample of older Australians, particularly due to supplement intake. However, LCn-3 PUFA intake was not associated with cognitive function. Key words: Polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3, n-3, cognitive function, aging, diet, nutrition. Abbreviations: ACE-III: Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-III; DHA: docosahexaenoic acid; EDTA: ethylenediaminetraacetic acid; EPA: eicosapentaenoic acid; LCn-3 PUFA: long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; n-3 index: Omega-3 Index; NHMRC: National Health and Medical Research Council; PUFA: polyunsaturated fatty acids; RBC: red blood cell.
Introduction
Age-related reductions in LCn-3 PUFA concentrations have been implicated in age-related cognitive decline (9), highlighting the need for adequate dietary intake. The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends that Australian adults consume between 430 and 610mg of LCn-3 PUFA per day (10). Yet, previous studies indicate that most Australians are not meeting these recommendations (11, 12). Similarly, LCn-3 PUFA intake in the United
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