Correlation of omega-3 fatty acids intakes with acculturation and socioeconomic status in Midwestern Latinas

Karina R. Lora, Nancy M. Lewis, Kent M. Eskridge, Kaye Stanek-Krogstrand, Daryl A. Travnicek

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

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 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, 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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)111-118
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acculturation
  • Latinas
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Socioeconomic status

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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