Intake of seafood in the US varies by age, income, and education level but not by race-ethnicity.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional population survey (NHANES 2005-2010)
PubMed 25533013 · doi:10.3390/nu6126060
What was done
Data from 15,407 adults aged 19 and older participating in the 2005–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) were analyzed to describe the prevalence and quantity of seafood (fish and shellfish) consumption. Differences across sex, age group, income, education level, and race-ethnicity were evaluated using methods to account for sporadic intake.
What was found
Over 80% of adults reported eating seafood in the previous 30 days (74% fish, 54% shellfish). Younger age and lower income and education levels were associated with lower odds of seafood consumption (p < 0.0001). Among seafood consumers, average intake was 158.2 ± 5.6 g/week, with women and individuals of younger age and lower education consuming less. Approximately 80%–90% of consumers did not meet seafood recommendations when estimated by energy requirements.
Why it matters
This study demonstrates that despite high reported seafood consumption prevalence in the United States, the vast majority of consumers fall short of federal dietary guidelines, highlighting sociodemographic disparities in intake.
Limits
The study is limited by self-reported dietary recall data from cross-sectional surveys. Specific odds ratios, subgroup intake numbers, and confidence intervals are not provided in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports NHANES data show that Americans generally do not consume fatty fish on a weekly basis.