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. 2011 Nov 19:10:127.
doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-10-127.

A short food frequency questionnaire to assess intake of seafood and n-3 supplements: validation with biomarkers

Lisbeth Dahl  1 , Camilla A Mæland, Tormod Bjørkkjær
Affiliations

A short food frequency questionnaire to assess intake of seafood and n-3 supplements: validation with biomarkers

Lisbeth Dahl et al. Nutr J. .

Abstract

Background: Seafood intake is associated with beneficial effects for human health. Seafood provides a number of nutrients beyond the traditionally known long chain marine n-3 fatty acids EPA, DPA and DHA, such as protein, vitamin D, iodine, selenium and vitamin B12. Valid assessment of dietary seafood and n-3 supplement intakes are becoming increasingly crucial when giving recommendations to populations as seafood consumption is regarded as an important part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Methods: The aim was to validate a short FFQ developed for assessment of dietary intake of seafood and n-3 supplements using the biomarkers marine n-3 fatty acids in erythrocytes and 25(OH)D in serum.

Results: Fifty-three healthy Norwegians aged 30-64 years with a mean BMI of 25 kg/m2 were compliant with the study protocol. 70% reported eating seafood for dinner one to two times per week, and 45% reported to eat seafood as spread, in salads or as snack meal three to five times or more per week. The FFQ correlated significantly with both the levels of marine n-3 fatty acids (r=0.73, p<0.0001) and with 25(OH)D (r=0.37, p<0.01). Mean level of marine n-3 and of 25(OH)D were 232±65 μg/g erythrocytes and 73±33 nmol/L serum, respectively.

Conclusion: The present short FFQ predicted strongly the levels of marine n-3 fatty acids in erythrocytes, and predicted fairly good the level of serum 25(OH)D and may therefore be a valid method for assessment of seafood and n-3 supplements intake among adults.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The relationship between seafood and n-3 supplement intakes from the FFQ (points) and level of marine n-3 fatty acids in erythrocytes (μg/g). Points are calculated using the frequency of intake of seafood and n-3 supplements as given in Table 1.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The relationship between seafood and n-3 supplement intakes from the FFQ (points) and the level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D). Points are calculated using the frequency of intake of seafood and n-3 supplements as given in Table 1.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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