Research Showcase Abstracts

Explore abstracts from CFDR’s annual research showcase at the DC Conference.

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Year
2010
Language
English
Title
Evaluation of the Adherence to Nutraceutical, Functional Food and Whole Food Strategies to Increase Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intakes in Men and Women at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
Introduction/Purpose
Rhona Hanning PhD, RD, and Ashley Patterson, PhD (Cand), University of Waterloo spoke at CFDR's Research Breakfast in May 2010. They explained that an increased consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to have numerous health benefits including the prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, most Canadians do not consume enough Omega-3 fatty acids for optimum health. This research project examined which strategy resulted in greatest adherence and greatest fatty acid intakes: nutraceuticals (capsules), whole foods (fish) or functional food (Omega-3 enriched foods). Throughout the project, study participants received dietary counselling and had their levels of EPA and DHA monitored.

After following the study participants for a year, the research term determined the following:

Nutraceuticals, functional foods and seafood can be useful to increase EPA+DHA intakes to recommended levels in healthy middle aged adults.
Long-term adherence to dietary advice to increase EPA+DHA intake is greatest for strategies involving the least dietary change (ie: Nutraceuticals).
Objective(s)/Process or Summary of Content
Healthy Eating has become more complicated
Conclusions(s)/Recommendations
1. Nutraceuticals, functional foods & seafood can be useful to increase EPA+DHA intakes to recommended levels in healthy middle aged adults.
2. Long-term adherence to dietary advice to increase EPA+DHA intake is greatest for strategies involving least dietary change (ie: Nutraceuticals).

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