ArticleBMJ open2021
Long-chain omega-3 fatty acid serum concentrations across life stages in the USA: an analysis of NHANES 2011-2012.
Article in BMJ open, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 24 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
24 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 40 citations in OpenAlex.
- Pooled it
- Trial
- Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Krill Oil Supplementation for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Older Adults.The Journal of nutrition · 2026Trial
- Short-term bioavailability of EPA and DHA from an algae oil-fortified soymilk compared with algae oil capsules.Food & function · 2026Article
- Inverse Association between the Omega-3 Index and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio: Pooled Results from Four Supplementation Trials.The Journal of nutrition · 2026Article
- Krill Oil for Pain in Elders: protocol for a pilot, double-blind, randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of 4 g/d krill oil supplementation for chronic musculoskeletal pain and mobility limitations in older adults.The British journal of nutrition · 2026Article
- A 'Standard of Care PLUS' Model for Preterm Birth Prevention: Integrating Nutrient and Gene Variant Analysis with Targeted Interventions.Journal of personalized medicine · 2026Article
- Predicting consumption of the USDA protein sub-recommendations among adults: a reasoned action approach.Health promotion perspectives · 2025Article
- Article
- The association of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) exposure on omega-3 fatty acids metabolism: evidence derived from the United States general population.Toxicology research · 2025Article
- Urinary phthalates, serum omega-3 fatty acids and ovarian reserve among women seeking fertility treatment.International journal of hygiene and environmental health · 2025Article
- Effect Modification of Serum Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Associations between Urinary Phthalate Biomarkers Mixture and Pregnancy Outcomes among Women Seeking Fertility Care.Environmental health perspectives · 2025Article
- Maternal fatty acid intake and human embryonic growth: the Rotterdam Periconception Cohort.European journal of epidemiology · 2024Article
- Potential and Metabolic Impacts of Double Enrichments of Docosahexaenoic Acid and 25-Hydroxy Vitamin DThe Journal of nutrition · 2024Article
- Beneficial effects of linoleic acid on cardiometabolic health: an update.Lipids in health and disease · 2024Review
- Demographic and health characteristics associated with fish andPublic health nutrition · 2024Article
- Optimal omegas - barriers and novel methods to narrow omega-3 gaps. A narrative review.Frontiers in nutrition · 2024Review
- The Salmon Oil OmeGo Reduces Viability of Colorectal Cancer Cells and Potentiates the Anti-Cancer Effect of 5-FU.Marine drugs · 2023Article
- Higher intake of certain nutrients among older adults is associated with better cognitive function: an analysis of NHANES 2011-2014.BMC nutrition · 2023Article
- Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectiveTo determine reference ranges of circulating long-chain (LC) omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in a nationally representative population of Americans. To provide context, serum concentrations of LC omega-3 were compared with concentrations associated with consuming the recommended amount of EPA and DHA by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and the Omega-3 Index (EPA+DHA).
designCross-sectional population-based study.
settingThe National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012 cycle.
participantsParticipants with fatty acids measured in serum: 945 children, age 3-19 years, and 1316 adults, age 20 and older. MAIN MEASURE: Serum EPA, DPA, DHA and sum of LC omega-3 fatty acids expressed as per cent of total fatty acids.
resultsAmong children, mean (SE) serum concentrations of EPA, DHA and omega-3s were 0.28% (0.01), 1.07% (0.02) and 1.75% (0.03). Among adults, mean (SE) of EPA, DHA and omega-3s were 0.61% (0.02), 1.38% (0.05) and 2.43% (0.08), all of which were significantly higher than corresponding serum fatty acid concentrations in children (p<0.001). Despite recommendations for higher intake, pregnant and/or breastfeeding women had mean (SE) EPA, DHA and LC omega-3 concentrations of 0.34% (0.07), 1.52% (0.08) and 2.18% (0.15), which were comparable to women of childbearing age; p=0.17, p=0.10 and p=0.73. Over 95% of children and 68% of adults had LC omega-3 concentrations below those associated with the DGA recommendation. Approximately 89% of adults had an Omega-3 Index in the high cardiovascular risk category.
conclusionsContemporary reference ranges for circulating LC omega-3s are critical for setting public health recommendations. Our findings show the need for continued emphasis on regular consumption of LC omega-3s among Americans, particularly considering the importance of LC omega-3s in cardiovascular health, brain health and development throughout life.
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Registered trials
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