Higher serum EPA or DHA, and lower ARA compositions with age independent fatty acid intake in Japanese aged 40 to 79.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional observational study
PubMed 23389403 · doi:10.1007/s11745-013-3763-9
What was done
This cross-sectional study investigated age-related differences in serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (ARA) relative to dietary intake in 1,014 Japanese men and 1,028 Japanese women aged 40 to 79 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day dietary record with photographs. Venous blood was collected after a minimum 12-hour fast, and serum fatty acid compositions were calculated as molar percentages of total fatty acids. Participants were stratified by sex and age decades (40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70-79 years).
What was found
The abstract reports directional findings without numerical values, effect sizes, or p-values: - Intakes of fish, EPA, and DHA tended to rise with age. - Serum EPA and DHA compositions correlated positively with corresponding dietary fatty acid intake in all age and sex groups. - Serum ARA correlated with intake only among women aged 40 to 49. - Serum EPA and DHA were higher, and ARA was lower, with older age groups. - These age associations with serum EPA, DHA, and ARA compositions remained consistent after adjusting for dietary fatty acid intake.
Why it matters
This study indicates that age-related shifts in circulating EPA, DHA, and ARA levels occur independently of dietary fatty acid intake in community-dwelling adults.
Limits
The cross-sectional design cannot determine causality, individual longitudinal trajectories, or cohort effects. The abstract does not provide numerical data, effect sizes, or confidence intervals. The findings in a Japanese population with high baseline fish intake may not generalize to other populations.
Cited by
- supports Average daily intake of EPA and DHA in Japan is roughly 900 mg per day.