Background and objectives: In addition to the intake ratio of omega 6 (n-6) to omega 3 (n-3) fatty acids, their intake amount has an effect on health. This study evaluated the n-6:n-3 intake ratio as well as the food sources and association of these fatty acids with demographic characteristics based on sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data.
Methods and study design: This study included 13,937 participants from the survey. The weighted mean intake and major food groups of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids were determined. The 10 chief food sources of n-3 and n-6 fatty acid were expressed as percent contribution to total intake.
Results: α- Linolenic acid constituted approximately 80% of total n-3 intake, followed by docosahexaenoic acid (10.5%) and eicosapentaenoic acid (6.1%). Linoleic acid constituted 97% of total n-6 intake. After adjustment for cofactors (age, sex, and energy intake), education level (p<0.01), alcohol consumption frequency (p<0.05) and monthly income (p<0.01) were significant variables determining n-3 and n-6 FA intake by Korean people. The average n- 6:n-3 intake ratio was 7.49:1. The major source of α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid was soybean oil, whereas that of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid was mackerel. Pork (70.0%) and egg (38.7%) were the major food sources of arachidonic acid and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, respectively.
Conclusion: Monthly income, alcohol consumption frequency, and education level significantly affected n-3 FA intake. The dietary n-6: n-3 intake ratio in Korea is 7.49:1; however, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid intake remains inadequate (0.27 g/day).