Study: Omega-3 Deficiency Taking Its Toll

May 21, 2009 Washington – Smoking is responsible for about 467,000 deaths every year, physical inactivity is responsible for about 191,000 deaths and low omega-3 (seafood) intake is responsible for about 84,000 deaths, according to new research supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We’ve known for a long time that Americans don’t eat enough seafood for optimum health,” said Jennifer McGuire a registered dietitian and manager of nutrition communications for the National Fisheries Institute. “With this report we are finally seeing the effect of that deficiency in black and white.”

The report, published by the Public Library of Science finds most deaths attributable to the lack of healthy omega-3s are a result of heart diseases.

“The study lays out how a diet low in seafood and omega-3s is responsible for more deaths than the much-hyped trans fats.  It’s eye-opening,” said McGuire.

The authors – researchers from Harvard University, University of Toronto, University of Dresden, and the University of Washington – conclude that, “The risk factors in this analysis can be influenced through both individual-level and population-wide interventions,” and that those efforts should be a, “high priority.”

“The problems studied in this assessment can be prevented,” said McGuire. “Encouraging people to eat more fish, and showing them how to do that, can literally save lives. It’s important that not only consumers recognize this but those who make nutrition policy too.”