Intake of omega-3 fatty acids in adults from Zagreb county

Prehrambeni unos omega-3 masnih kiselina, posebice eikosapentaenske (EPA) i dokosaheksaenske (DHA) ostvaruje se u mješovitoj prehrani primarno kroz konzumaciju masnih vrsta ribe. Niska konzumacija ribe u današnjoj populaciji rezultira niskim unosom omega-3 masnih kiselina pa potrošači traže nadomjesne izvore među kojima se često zbog svoje praktičnosti nameću dodaci prehrani. Cilj rada bio je utvrditi unos omega-3 masnih kiselina putem hrane i dodataka prehrani u odrasloj populaciji u Zagrebačkoj županiji. Podaci su prikupljeni primjenom jednokratnog anonimnog prigodnog upitnika u ljekarničkoj ustanovi Ljekarne Zagrebačke županije i to prikupljanjem podataka izravno na recepturi i putem službene Facebook stranice ustanove. Istraživanjem se obuhvatilo 544 ispitanika oba spola a provedeno je po principima presječnog. Prikupljeni podaci obrađeni su prema spolu, dobi i statusu uhranjenosti ispitanika a gdje je to bilo prikladno i obzirom na način prikupljanja podataka. Rezultati ukazuju na slabu zastupljenost ribe u prehrani, dosta visoku zastupljenost orašastih plodova, biljnih ulja i sjemenki kao izvora omega-3 masnih kisleina te visoku zastupljenost dodataka prehrani koji su bogati omega-3 masnim kiselinama.Dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids, especially the intake of eicosapentaenic (EPA) and docosahexanoic (DHA) fatty acid, in current diet, is mostly achieved through the fatty fish consumption. Low fish consumption results in low omega-3 fatty acid intake and consummers therefore seek alternative sources. As a practical source dietary supplements are the most common substitution. The aim of this study was to estimate the intake omega-3 fatty acids through diet and dietary supplements in adults from Zagreb county. Intake data are gathered via anonimous questionnaire created for this purpose. Data collection was performed in Pharmacy stores and via Facebook page of the same Pharmacy company. Cross-sectional study encompassed altogether 544 subjects of both genders. Results were analysed for the total study population as well as for the subgroups based on gender, age and nourishment status. Also, where applicable, data were presented based on the mode of data collection (personal vs on-line). Results have shown low fish consumption, relatively high consumption of nuts, plant seeds and oils as a complementary source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as the high presence of supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids