Recipient Organization
VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
(N/A)
BLACKSBURG,VA 24061
Performing Department
Human Nutrition & Foods
Non Technical Summary
Dietary recommendations have been made for n-3 fatty acids as a part of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). The Adequate Intake (AI) for n-3 fatty acids has been set, based on the observed median n-3 intakes in the US, at 1.6 g/day alpha linolenic acid (ALA) for men and 1.1 g/day ALA for women (1). While the NAS acknowledges that up to ten percent of the ALA recommendation can be met from long-chain n-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA and DHA), the committee chose to base n-3 recommendations on current n-3 intakes of ALA. In contrast to this approach, the American Heart Association (AHA) Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations Revision 2006 has reemphasized the importance of EPA and DHA consumption by recommending the consumption of fish, especially oily fish, at least twice weekly. Furthermore, for the first time the AHA has recommended increased EPA and DHA consumption - either from fish or fish oil supplements - for those with established cardiovascular disease and obesity-induced hyperlipidemia. Not only are Americans unlikely to achieve the enhanced AHA recommendation for long-chain polyunsaturated (PUFA) n-3 fatty acid intakes by increasing fish consumption, but Americans are likely to be confused by the competing recommendations from the NAS and the AHA, as well as concerns over safety of rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish. As a result, research-based, consumer-friendly, non-technical information is critical for both educators and consumers to improve overall dietary quality and consumption of omega-3 fatty acids.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
1.To develop, test and disseminate effective means for translating research on the health promoting and disease preventing effects of n-3 PUFA into consumer food choices.
Project Methods
My proposed project will involve the evaluation of the effectiveness of a CoP and accompanying eXtension webpage, the ABCs of Omega-3s, on knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors of FCS Extension Agents and participants of the program. Evaluation will be conducted through online pre- and post-tests.