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Background: Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3 PUFA) are essential nutrients and may be capable of delaying age-related cognitive decline. However, previous studies indicate that Australians are not meeting recommendations for LCn-3 PUFA intake. The current study therefore examined LCn-3 PUFA intake in an older Australia sample, as well as associations between LCn-3 PUFA intake and cognitive function. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 90 adults aged 50 to 80 years. LCn-3 PUFA intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and red blood cell fatty acid profiles were used to calculate the Omega-3 Index (RBC n-3 index). Cognitive function was measured using Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Ill. Results: Positive associations were observed between age and RBC n-3 index (b=0.06, 95% CI: 0.01–0.10, P=0.01), and age and LCn-3 PUFA intake from fish oil capsules (b=17.5, 95% CI: 2.4 − 32.5 mg/day, P=0.02). When adjusting for LCn-3 PUFA from fish oil capsules, the association between age and RBC n-3 index was no longer significant. No associations were observed between LCn-3 PUFA intake and cognitive function. Conclusion: LCn-3 PUFA and fish oil consumption increased with age in this sample of older Australians, particularly due to supplement intake. However, LCn-3 PUFA intake was not associated with cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has proven effective at reducing fat storage in animal studies. However, a systematic review of human trials showed a lack of quality data to support or refute this hypothesis. Objective: We sought to determine whether maternal DHA supplementation during the second half of pregnancy results in a lower body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body fat in children. Design: We conducted a follow-up at 3 and 5 y of age of children who were born to mothers enrolled in the DOMInO (DHA to Optimize Mother Infant Outcome) double-blind, randomized controlled trial, in which women with a singleton pregnancy were provided with DHA-rich fish-oil capsules (800 mg DHA/d) or vegetable-oil capsules (control group) in the second half of pregnancy. Primary outcomes were the BMI z score and percentage of body fat at 3 and 5 y of age. Potential interactions between prenatal DHA and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) genotype as a measure of the genetic predisposition to obesity were investigated. Results: A total of 1614 children were eligible for the follow-up. Parent or caregiver consent was obtained for 1531 children (95%), and these children were included in the analysis. BMI z scores and percentages of body fat of children in the DHA group did not differ from those of children in the control group at either 3 y of age [BMI z score adjusted mean difference: 0.03 (95% CI: 20.07, 0.13; P = 0.61); percentage of body fat adjusted mean difference: 20.26 (95% CI: -0.99, 0.46; P = 0.47)] or 5 y of age [BMI z score adjusted mean difference: 0.02 (95% CI: -0.08, 0.12; P = 0.66); percentage of body fat adjusted mean difference: 0.11 (95% CI: 20.60, 0.82; P = 0.75)]. No treatment effects were modified by the PPARγ genotype of the child. Conclusion: Independent of a genetic predisposition to obesity, maternal intake of DHA-rich fish oil during the second half of pregnancy does not affect the growth or body composition of children at 3 or 5 y of age. This trial was registered at www.anzctr.org. au as ACTRN1260500056906 and ACTRN12611001127998. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher dietary intakes of Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids ( n -3 LC-PUFAs) have been linked to lower rates of preterm birth and preeclampsia. The aim of this analysis was to describe dietary intake and fractions of red blood cell (RBC) membrane LC-PUFAs during pregnancy in a cohort of Indigenous Australian women. Maternal dietary intake was assessed using two validated dietary assessment tools and quantified using the AUSNUT (Australian Food and Nutrient) 2011-2013 database. Analysis from a 3-month food frequency questionnaire indicated that 83% of this cohort met national n -3 LC-PUFA recommendations, with 59% meeting alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) recommendations. No nutritional supplements used by the women contained n -3 LC-PUFAs. Over 90% of women had no detectable level of ALA in their RBC membranes, and the median Omega-3 Index was 5.5%. This analysis appears to illustrate a decline in concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) across gestation in women who had preterm birth. However, there was no visible trend in LC-PUFA fractions in women who experienced hypertension during pregnancy. Further research is needed to better understand the link between dietary intake of n -3 LC-PUFA-rich foods and the role of fatty acids in preterm birth and preeclampsia.

Background: Krill is an increasingly popular source of marine n-3 (ω-3) PUFA that is seen as a premium product. However, to our knowledge, the effect of krill-oil supplementation on insulin sensitivity in humans has not been reported. Objective: We assessed whether supplementation with a blend of krill and salmon (KS) oil [which is rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] affects insulin sensitivity in overweight men. Design: The design was a randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover trial. A total of 47 men with a mean ± SD age of 46.5 ± 5.1 y, who were overweight [body mass index (in kg/m²) from 25 to 30] but otherwise healthy, received 5 1-g capsules of KS oil or a control (canola oil) for 8 wk and crossed over to another treatment after an 8-wk washout period. The primary outcome was insulin sensitivity assessed by using the Matsuda method from an oral-glucose-tolerance test. Secondary outcomes included lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, and carotid artery intimamedia thickness. Results: Unexpectedly, insulin sensitivity (per the Matsuda index) was 14% lower with the KS oil than with the control oil (P = 0.049). A mediation analysis showed that, after controlling for the likely positive effects of blood EPA and DHA (i.e., the omega-3 index), the reduction in insulin sensitivity after KS-oil supplementation was more marked [27% lower than with the control oil (P = 0.009)]. Conclusions: Supplementation with a blend of KS oil is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity. Thus, krill-oil supplementation in overweight adults could exacerbate risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This trial was prospectively registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as ACTRN12611000602921. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports on a conjoint study of the influence of product (concept) attributes on Australian consumers’ preferences for conventional and novel (genetically modified, GM) sources of foods rich in long chain omega-3 fatty acids (LCO3FA). Text “concepts” representing the potential options for possible (future) products were presented to 220 consumers. Attitudes were elicited that might segment (cluster) consumers, including measures of fear appraisal and coping appraisal towards coronary heart disease (CHD), barriers to consumption of current available LCO3FA foods and perceived risk/benefits of the source of LCO3FA (GM oilseeds and fish). Additionally, frequency of bread, milk and fish consumption, objective CHD risk factors and socio-demographics were also measured. The sample clustered into three groups characterised as (1) “Conservatives” (28%); (2) “Confident protectors” favourable towards GM (51%) and (3) “anti-GM” (20%). Whilst there was general preference for conventional farmed fish fed fishmeal, a large segment reported favourability towards farmed fish fed GM oilseed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Interventions to better manage aggressive behaviour and reduce recidivism are a primary concern for corrective services. Nutritional interventions to correct prisoner behaviour have been largely overlooked in the literature. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary intake influences aggressive behaviours and that nutritional supplementation with omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) could attenuate both the severity and frequency of aggressive behaviour., Methods: Adult male prisoners who have a history of aggressive behaviour (n = 600) will be recruited from at least 6 Correctional Centres and randomised to receive either n-3 LCPUFA or placebo supplementation for a 16-week duration. Treatment will be with either 1 g/day of n-3 LCPUFA (694 mg DHA and 397 mg EPA) or placebo capsules, which are a corn/soy oil blend and are identical in size and colour. The primary outcome measure is the Inmate Behavioural Observation Scale (IBOS): an objective measure of aggressive behaviour. Secondary outcome measures include questionnaires (including aggression, attention deficit disorder, impulsivity, depression/anxiety/stress scales), engagement in programmes, recidivism and quality of life. Baseline and post-intervention assessments include the IBOS, questionnaires and blood to measure the levels of n-3 LCPUFA., Discussion: To conclusively test the potential that increasing n-3 LCPUFA intakes can improve rates of prisoner aggression and associated mental health and violence-related social system management costs, we propose an adequately powered multi-centre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial, examining the effects of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation on aggressive behaviour in adult male prisoners. If successful, this study will inform prisoner policy with respect to nutrition and by inference contribute to a broader community approach to preventative mental health practices., Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12618001665224 . Registered on 10 October 2018.

This study investigated optometrists' attitudes and self-reported practice behaviors towards omega-3 fatty acids for eye health, and knowledge and understanding of their potential risks and benefits. An anonymous online survey was distributed to optometrists in Australia and New Zealand. Questions included practitioner demographics and practice modality; self-reported practices and recommendations relating to diet, nutritional supplements, and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dry eye disease (DED); and practitioner knowledge about omega-3 fatty acids. Of 206 included surveys, most respondents (79%) indicated recommending for their patients to consume omega-3 fatty acids to improve their eye health. Sixty-eight percent of respondents indicated recommending omega-3-rich foods for AMD management, while 62% indicated recommending omega-3 supplements. Most respondents (78%) indicated recommending omega-3-rich foods or supplements for DED. For DED, recommended omega-3 supplement dosages were (median [inter-quartile range, IQR]) 2000 mg [1000-2750 mg] per day. The main sources of information reported by respondents to guide their clinical decision making were continuing education articles and conferences. In conclusion, optometrists routinely make clinical recommendations about diet and omega-3 fatty acids. Future education could target improving optometrists' knowledge of differences in the evidence for whole-food versus supplement sources of omega-3 fatty acids in AMD. Further research is needed to address uncertainties in the evidence regarding optimal omega-3 dosage and formulation composition in DED., Competing Interests: J.P.C. acknowledges University laboratory funding from Alcon, Azura Ophthalmics, E-Swin, Manuka Health NZ and Théa Laboratories for research in the area of dry eye and ocular surface disease, not specifically related to essential fatty acids, as well as consultancy, speaker, or travel funding from Azura Ophthalmics, E-Swin, Novartis, Shire and Théa Laboratories. L.E.D.’s research laboratory, University of Melbourne, has previously received funding from CooperVision Pty Ltd for a clinical trial investigating omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for treating contact lens discomfort, unrelated to the present study. In the past 3 years, L.E.D’s research laboratory has also received funding from Azura Ophthalmics, CooperVision Pty Ltd and Allergan Pty Ltd., unrelated to the present study. L.E.D. has also received consultancy income from her research laboratory from Seqirus Pty Ltd and Medmont Pty Ltd, unrelated to this study. All other authors declare no relevant conflicts of interest.

Background: Preterm birth is the leading cause of death in children under five. A recent Cochrane review found a 42% reduction in early preterm birth (< 34 weeks' gestation) and 11% reduction in preterm birth (< 37 weeks' gestation) with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. To assist in the development of implementation strategies to increase pregnant women's omega-3 fatty acid intake, we assessed the awareness of Australian pregnant women about preterm birth, their nutrition and supplementation behaviours during pregnancy, and intentions to increase omega-3 fatty acid intake., Methods: A ten-minute survey was conducted online to assess the knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, and intentions of Australian pregnant women across three domains: (1) preterm birth; (2) nutrition and supplementation during pregnancy; and (3) omega-3 fatty acid consumption to prevent preterm birth. Participants were recruited from Survey Sampling International's research panels., Results: Of the 763 women who completed the survey, less than two-thirds had heard of preterm birth. Over 55% of respondents had changed their diet during pregnancy and a prenatal dietary supplement was consumed by 82% of the women surveyed. Respondents' main source of information about preterm birth and nutrition during pregnancy was from a health professional. When asked about their intentions to increase their omega-3 fatty acid intake following a health professional's recommendation, the vast majority of participants indicated they would increase their omega-3 fatty acid intake (90%). When a hypothetical scenario was presented of an omega-3 fatty acid supplement being offered from a health service at no cost, the number of respondents who selected they would increase their intake through supplementation increased from 54 to 79%., Conclusions: The main information source for women about preterm birth and dietary supplementation recommendations during pregnancy is their health professional. Therefore, informing women about ways to prevent preterm birth, including the role of omega-3 fatty acids, should occur during antenatal visits. The results from our study are useful for clinicians caring for pregnant women and for the next stage of translation of the Cochrane review findings - the design of implementation strategies to increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy where needed.

Background: Short food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are powerful screening instruments for estimating nutrient intakes and play an important role in risk stratification in vulnerable populations. Omega-3 fatty acids are of increasing importance in the prevention of chronic and degenerative disease, especially in older adults who are at higher risk of these chronic conditions. A short FFQ exists to rapidly assess omega-3 intake from marine sources, however it has not previously been validated for agreement with total omega-3 intake and ability to identify suboptimal omega-3 intakes in older adults or for use in Australia., Objective: The aim of the study was to validate a 9-item marine omega-3 FFQ (MFQ) for assessment of omega-3 intake against a validated 74-item semiquantitative FFQ., Methods: One hundred and eight participants (mean age 67 ± 10 years, 47% male) completed the MFQ designed to estimate omega-3 intake from marine sources and the 74-item FFQ designed to estimate usual omega-3 and total energy intake in addition to other nutrients. To test agreement between the two questionnaires for estimating total omega-3 intake, mean bias and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed using 2 × 2 contingency tables based on whether participants did or did not meet National Heart Foundation (NHF) recommendations for omega-3 intake per day., Results: Mean intake of omega-3 estimated from the MFQ was 210 ± 235 mg/day compared with 295 ± 260 mg/day as estimated by the FFQ. Mean bias (95% LOA) for omega-3 assessed by the two questionnaires was 89 mg/day (-475 mg to 653 mg). The MFQ achieved 98% sensitivity and 31% specificity for the omega-3 cut-off of 500 mg/day. When nutrient composition of the marine products were replaced with Australian data, mean intake of omega-3 was 230 ± 253 mg and the mean bias improved to 64 mg (-681 mg to 553 mg) and achieved 93% sensitivity and 40% specificity., Conclusions: The MFQ shows promise as a rapid screening tool for identifying older adults with intakes of omega-3 fatty acids likely to be below recommendations for chronic and degenerative disease risk reduction. Given the clinically meaningful mean bias and wide LOA, it cannot be recommended as an appropriate tool for the purpose of reporting average intake of individuals. Use of Australian nutrient data improved the mean bias of the tool in estimating total omega-3 intake. The values should be replaced and the MFQ could then be a useful tool for research purposes at the population level.