Fish Intake by Adolescents Is Related to Nutrient Intake but Not Lifestyle Factors. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rahman, Laila; Nigg, Claudio R.; Rosner, Lee S.; Iversen, Cara S.; Chung, Hai V.; Lai, Morris; Saka, Susan; Sayessian, Maria L.; Watters, Corilee A.
• Is Part Of: Asia-Pacific journal of public health. Volume 27:Number 2(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: NP1627
• Page End: NP1638
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: adolescent -- DHA -- EPA -- fish intake -- lifestyle factor -- nutrient intake; Public health -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Public health -- Asia -- Periodicals; 362.1095
• DOI: 10.1177/1010539513492560
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1010-5395

Abstract

Nutrition during adolescence influences long-term health outcomes. Consumption of fish has many health benefits, yet few studies have investigated associations between fish intake and nutrient intake and lifestyle factors in adolescents. A cross-sectional study utilizing 24-hour dietary recalls obtained by in-person interviews investigated relationships between fish intake and demographic characteristics, nutrient intake, and lifestyle factors among adolescents (mean age = 15.5 years). Height, weight, and self-administered survey data were collected from 839 high school students who took part in the 2000-2004 Hawaii Nutrition Education Needs Assessment survey. About 8.5% of the students consumed fish, based on estimated EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) + DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) intakes. Adolescents who consumed fish had higher intake of protein, water, B vitamins, magnesium, selenium, and zinc but consumed more calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium. Considering the school health program's potential to reach adolescents, more intensive school-based interventions can be directed to promote safe fish consumption and to encourage other positive lifestyle behaviors.