INTRODUCTION

With the advances in medicine, technology and lifestyle of recent decades, life expectancy has increased significantly¹. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics², there are 30.2 million people aged over 60 in Brazil, causing a significant change in the country’s age pyramid.

Aging is a natural process of human life. Over time, physiological, physical, psychological, brain and social changes occur as a result of this process^3,4. However, healthy habits developed throughout life, such as the practicing of physical activity, a healthy lifestyle, autonomy and suitable food choices play a fundamental role in quality of life⁵.

Dietary patterns are one of the main determinants of health. The beneficial effects of eating foods with protective functions are well known, and include a reduction in the risk of mortality⁴. The consumption of omega 3 fatty acids is associated with numerous health benefits^1,5, such as the improvement of the metabolic syndrome, the reduction of abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension. There is also a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, symptoms of depression, weight, postprandial satiety and inflammatory diseases^6-10.

The fatty acids of the omega 3 series, formed by linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), constitute a group of lipids that exercise significant functions in the body, being incorporated into the phospholipids of the membranes of the cells and optimizing their biological function. This optimization particularly occurs in the structure and function of the glia and endothelium brain cells, strengthening memory and neuroinflammatory control, as well as in the retina, testicles, heart, liver and kidneys^4,11-14. Various benefits have been reported from the ingestion of omega 3, such as the reduction of inflammatory eicosanoids, cytokines and reactive oxygen species, preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases and infections and reducing the occurrence of injuries, immunological changes and acting in the reduction of cognitive decline^7,8.

With the aging process, there is the possibility of the appearance of cardiac, endocrine and dementia pathologies and the development of inflammation and oxidative stress⁸. The use of omega 3 supplementation can lead to reductions in oxidative stress, a decline in the expression of pro-inflammatory proteins and an increase in the expression of anti-inflammatory proteins, as well as improvement in the cognitive decline associated with pathologies, classified as mild to moderate^8-10.

An integrative literature review study¹⁵, with the objective of identifying the use of omega 3 supplementation and its performance in cognitive development in older adults, found a reasonable improvement in cognitive performance, memory and cerebrovascular and arterial function, while also pointing out that further studies are still required.

There is a lack of data in Brazilian¹⁵ and international^16,17 literature on the food-based consumption of omega 3 and its benefits among participants of social groups. Early diagnosis to identify the absence of these acids is intended to prevent disease and improve quality of life. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess the consumption of omega 3 source foods by participants of social groups.

METHOD

A cross-sectional, descriptive/analytical and population based study was carried out in 2016, with 850 older adults participating in social groups of the Elderly Care Coordination (or DATI) in a city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The sample size (n=850) was defined for a finite population of 3,600 older adults and with a 95% confidence interval, based on a sampling error of 3%. The convenience sampling technique was used. The selection of participants was based on their availability to undertake activities in the DATI workshops.

The inclusion criteria were: participants linked to DATI social groups, while people with beta blockers, pacemakers or autoimmune diseases were excluded.

Before signing the Informed Consent Term (ICF), the researchers explained the objectives of the research and how the instrument should be completed. Afterwards, the participants signed the informed consent form and completed the questionnaire, in the classroom and during workshop activities at the DATI, which included dance, music, yoga and reading, etc. and lasted 15 minutes. The instrument consisted of sociodemographic variables (age, sex, education, marital status, risk factors such as muscle pain, medication use, bone disorders); questions about omega 3 supplementation in capsules and the consumption of omega 3 source foods, with a table with the source food and frequency of consumption: never, weekly, biweekly, monthly and yearly (animal and vegetable sources of omega 3 foods, such as DHA, EPA and ALA); soy oil and other oils (olive oil, canola and corn oil); vegetables (broccoli, cabbages and spinach); fish (sardines, salmon, tuna and cod); seeds (such as chia and flaxseed) and nuts, as well as the measurement of body mass index (BMI)^18,19.

The data were analyzed using the R 2.15.1 language. Pearson’s Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were applied. The level of significance used in the tests was p≤0.05. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Universidade de Passo Fundo (Passo Fundo University) (UPF), under opinion no. 1,023,088.

RESULTS

Of the 850 older participants, 739 (86.9%) were women and 111 (14%) were men. The mean age was 67.9 ± 8.0 years; in terms of education, 339 (42.1%) had up to 4 years of schooling, 367 (45.6%) from 5 to 10 years and 99 (12.3%) 11 years or more. In relation to income, 586 (71.9%) received up to R$1,575.99; with regard to marital status, 62 (7.3%) were single, 338 (39.8%) were married, 100 (11.8%) were separated or divorced, and 348 (40.9%) were widowed. A total of 524 (63.0%) of the older adults lived with someone.

Table 1 shows the results of the association between the sex of the sample studied (n=850) and the consumption of omega 3 source foods.

The results in Table 1 indicate a significant difference in relation to the consumption of seeds between the sexes, with women consuming more seeds than men (p=0.001).

Table 2 shows the results of the relationship between the age group of the sample studied (n = 850) and the consumption of omega 3 source foods.

The results of Table 2 do not indicate significant differences for consumption of omega 3 source foods, when compared with the age group.

Table 3 shows the results of the relationship between the income of the sample studied (n=850) and consumption of omega 3 source foods.

The results in Table 3 indicate a significant difference in relation to the consumption of fish (p=0.014) and nuts (p=0.004) based on income, showing that people who have an income greater than or equal to R$1,576.00 tend to consume more omega 3 source foods.

Table 4 shows the results of the relationship between the marital status of the studied sample (n=850) and the consumption of omega 3 source foods.

The results of Table 4 do not indicate significant differences in the consumption of Omega 3 source foods based on marital status.

Table 5 presents the results of the relationship between the Body Mass Index (BMI) of the studied sample (n=850) and the consumption of omega 3 source foods.

The results of Table 5 do not indicate a significant difference in the consumption of Omega 3 source foods based on Body Mass Index (BMI).

DISCUSSION

Omega 3 fatty acids are associated with preventing or reducing the severity of a multitude of diseases, from metabolic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease, neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and inflammatory diseases, including osteoarthritis. Omega 3 acts by attenuating the development of atherosclerosis or arterial plaques, reducing concentrations of inflammation-signaling molecules^1,5.

Western diets, due to the disproportionate and high consumption of saturated fatty acids among a large part of the population, derived from foods of animal origin, contain fewer omega 3 fatty acids, a factor that increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases^7,20,21. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in greater quantities in the diet of the Mediterranean population, including older adults, as they are found in natural foods, such as nuts, flax seeds, chia and salmon.

Table 1 of the present study shows that men consume fewer seeds than women, possibly influenced by different eating habits. Consequently, it is women who have healthier diets, because, in most cases, they have the responsibility of taking care of their family’s diet, whether buying, choosing or preparing food²², thereby consuming more seeds, such as those that are sources of omega 3, identified in this study, which bring more health benefits. For this reason, in addition to caring more for their health and carrying out periodic examinations more frequently, women aspire to a greater life expectancy²³ and generally participate more in social groups²⁴.

Flaxseed is a seed rich in omega 3 and has been studied for its benefits in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and its antioxidant, anticancer and hyperglycemic agents, and also due to its effect on estrogen levels, blocking the enzymes active in hormonal metabolism, in order to interfere with the growth of tumor cells²⁵. Flaxseed is the most abundant plant source of omega 3 and has been associated with health, the prevention and treatment of heart disease, arthritis, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and cancer²⁵.

The data in Table 2 shows that there were no significant differences in the consumption of Omega 3 source foods based on age group. However, the results, according to Table 3, reveal that there is a significant difference in the consumption of fish (p=0.014) and nuts (p=0.004) by income, demonstrating the participants with income greater than or equal to R$1,576.00 consume more Omega 3 source foods.

According to Borges et al.²⁶, the consumption of food by Brazilian families is influenced by income and prices. This was confirmed by the record of food purchases provided by the Family Budget Survey (POF 2008/2009), which identified that the health status of individuals is directly related to the inadequate quality of their diet and is directly influenced by social class, as the results found that the quality of health of people belonging to the highest social class is superior to that of the lower classes.

The study by Coelho, Aguiar and Fernandes²⁷ assessed the impossibility of the lower social class of the population maintaining an adequate diet, following national proposals, such as the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population. Low-income families purchase less healthy foods, such as whole grains, skimmed milk and by-products, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts.

Fish and nuts contain notable amounts of omega 3 fatty acids and can provide a preventive action against the incidence of many diseases, including cardiovascular illnesses²⁸. The American Heart Association suggests the consumption of 226.8g of fish twice a week²⁹. The study by Rohrmann and Faeh²⁸ found that people who eat nuts more than three times a week can prevent premature deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer in comparison with non-consumers.

The study by Darmon et al.³⁰, the objective of which was to explore the relationship between income and healthy eating and the impact of healthy food pricing policies on the expenditure on and nutritional quality of foods chosen by low- and middle-income women, showed that the amount of unhealthy products purchased by the low-income group was twice that of those purchased by women in the middle-income group. As such, low-income women had diets of low nutritional quality, compared to middle-income women who purchased food products with protective characteristics to the body, generating more health among their families.

As such, the regular consumption of omega 3 fatty acids contributes to a healthier diet and better quality of life, protecting older adults from cardiovascular, inflammatory and chronic diseases, fighting cancer, obesity and improving bone health, as it strengthens the brain metabolism^28,30.

The limitations of the present study revolve around the need to undertake more detailed analyzes to expand the discussion, verifying the relationships between the consumption of Omega 3 source foods and the socio-demographic and nutritional profile of older adults participating in other social groups, showing that the consumption of these source foods generates a healthier nutritional status.

CONCLUSION

In accordance with the purpose of the study, the results showed that older women consume more Omega 3 source foods than men. One of the justifications for this is that, culturally, women were responsible for taking care of their family’s food and, consequently, became aware of the importance of consuming healthier products, such as oils, dark green vegetables, seeds, fish and nuts. Regular consumption of these products, which are rich in omega 3, generates a better quality of life for the general population and especially for older adults. In addition, it was found that people with greater purchasing power consume more expensive sources of omega 3 fatty acid and that the consumption of Omega 3 source foods did not differ significantly in relation to age, BMI, marital status and whether the individual lived alone or with others.