US Family Physicians Overestimate Personal omega-3 Fatty Acid Biomarker Status: Associations with Fatty Fish and omega-3 Supplement Intake

Background: The health benefits of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids are well established. Only a small percentage of Americans consume the recommended amounts of fatty fish, the main dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids, and most have low omega-3 fatty acid blood concentrations. Objective: We aimed to measure biomarkers of long-chain omega-3 fatty acid (EPA and DHA) status among family physicians, and determine whether having their omega-3 status tested would influence attitudes and patient recommendations. Methods: Family physicians attending a medical conference (n = 340) completed an omega-3 intake survey and had a finger stick blood sample taken. omega-3 Index, percentage of omega-6 (% n-6) in highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs), and EPA: arachidonic acid (AA) ratio were calculated from whole blood fatty acid profiles. Post-conference, a subsample of participants (n = 100) responded to a survey regarding attitudes and recommendations about omega-3s. Results: Average age (mean +/- SEM) of participants was 48.0 +/- 0.7 y and 59% were women. Average omega-3 Index was 5.2% +/- 0.1%, % n-6 in HUFA was 75% +/- 0.4%, and EPA: AA ratio was 0.076 +/- 0.004. 57% of family physicians reported consuming < 2 servings/wk of fatty fish, and 78% reported using omega-3 supplements <= 1/wk. Although 51% believed omega-3 status was in a desirable range, only 5% had an omega-3 Index >= 8%. Biomarkers of omega-3 status were significantly associated with fatty fish intake and supplement use, and were correlated (R-2 ranging from 0.59 to 0.77). Physicians who had omega-3 status tested (n = 65) were more likely to agree with statements affirming the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and more willing to recommend omega-3 fatty acids to their patients (P = 0.004). Conclusions: Blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in family physicians were below recommendations, and were associated with fatty fish intake and omega-3 supplement use. There was a discrepancy between perceived and actual omega-3 status. Increased awareness of personal omega-3 status among physicians may facilitate patient communication and recommendations about omega-3 fatty acid intake.