Nutrition and Health Sciences, Department of
ORCID IDs
Document Type
Article
Date of this Version
2011
Abstract
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 first-generation 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, α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (g/d) were 1.2 ± 0.7, 1.1 ± 0.6, and 0.1 ± 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.
Comments
Published in Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 13 (2011), pp. 111–118; doi: 10.1007/s10903-009-9314-z Copyright © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. Used by permission.