1. ¹ Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer, Berlin, Germany
2. ² Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Thielallee, Berlin, Germany

Correspondence: Dr B Niemann, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Allergy, Thielallee 88-92, D-14195 Berlin, Germany. E-mail: b.niemann@bfr.bund.de

Received 15 July 2005; Revised 28 November 2005; Accepted 12 December 2005; Published online 15 February 2006.

Abstract

Dietary intake of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA) was analysed, stratified by sex and age groups, using data from the German Nutrition Survey 1998. The median intake of both fatty acids combined (EPA and DHA) was 141 mg per day among women and 186 mg among men. In all age groups, women consumed less EPA and DHA than men, partly because of lower total intake. The lowest median intake was observed among women aged 18–24 years (84 mg) and the highest median intake among men aged 45–54 years (217 mg). The main sources of these fatty acids are fish (68%), eggs (12%), poultry (7%), meat and sausages (7%). The remaining 6% of EPA and DHA is supplied by bakery products.