Fish consumption is a safe solution to increase the intake of long-chainn-3 fatty acids

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesDietary intake of long-chain (LC)n-3 PUFA in developed countries is low compared with recommendations. Fish is naturally rich in LCn-3 PUFA, but is also a dietary source of heavy metals and organic pollutants. We investigated whether the recommendation for LCn-3 PUFA could be reached through fish consumption, without exceeding the provisional tolerable weekly intake of methylmercury (MeHg) and the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of dioxin-like compounds. Also, the contribution of margarines enriched with LCn-3 PUFA was assessed.DesignPublished nutrient and contaminant data were used in a probabilistic model to calculate the simultaneous nutrient and contaminant intake for different fish consumption scenarios.ResultsThe Belgian recommendation for EPA + DHA (0·3 % of total energy intake) can be reached by consuming fatty fish a minimum of twice a week, or by varying between lean and fatty fish a minimum of three times a week. At this fish consumption level, MeHg intake is not an issue of toxicological concern. The intake of dioxin-like compounds approximates the TWI when consuming fatty fish more than twice a week, this being a potential toxicological risk because other food items also contribute to the weekly intake of dioxin-like compounds. Use of margarine enriched with LCn-3 PUFA can help to increase LCn-3 intake, on average by 159 mg/d.ConclusionsCombination of regular fish consumption (twice a week) with important contribution of fatty fish species, in combination with regular consumption of margarine enriched with EPA + DHA, can be advised to achieve the recommendation for LCn-3 intake.