Although fish and algae are the only dietary sources of
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a nutrient critical for brain development, fish is
vastly under-consumed in children. Plant-based omega-3 fatty acids can be
converted to DHA but the conversion is inefficient. The Dietary Guidelines for
Americans recommend consumption of seafood twice a week. We examined if
substituting salmon for chicken in childcare center lunch meals could increase
preschoolers’ fish and DHA consumption. Participants ages 2 - 5 (n=45) were
served eight study lunches (four chicken or salmon dishes) once a week over 8
weeks. Analysis of plate-waste showed no significant differences in energy
intake when the foods looked similar, but when the fish dishes looked
different, energy intake on “fish days” was lower than on the corresponding
“chicken day.” However, DHA intake increased significantly on all “fish days”.
These results indicate that fish and DHA intake can be effectively increased if
fatty fish, such as salmon, is used as a substitute for already accepted
protein sources in the childcare center menu.
This blog is maintained by The Aquaculturists staff and is supported by the magazine International Aquafeed which is published by Perendale Publishers Ltd.
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