Survey study, 2008
Do dietitians know about omega-3 fatty acids and PMS?
Most dietitians know omega-3 is healthy, but only 31% knew research links omega-3 to PMS symptoms. Dietitians without PMS ate more omega-3 than those with PMS.
What they did
165 registered dietitians answered an online survey about their knowledge of omega-3 fatty acids and PMS, and what foods containing omega-3 they ate.
What they found
99% of dietitians believed omega-3 was important for health, but only 31% knew about research linking omega-3 intake to PMS severity. Dietitians without PMS consumed 7.2 grams of omega-3 per week, while those with PMS consumed 4.3 grams per week. Walnuts and salmon were the most commonly eaten omega-3 foods.
What it means for you
Most dietitians are unaware that omega-3 may help PMS, even though professionals with higher omega-3 intake had fewer PMS symptoms. However, this was only a survey of professionals, not a test of whether omega-3 actually helps women with PMS. We cannot know if omega-3 prevents PMS or if women with PMS simply eat less healthy food. Only 35% of surveyed dietitians responded.
31%
knew about omega-3 and PMS research
7.2 g/week
omega-3 in dietitians without PMS
4.3 g/week
omega-3 in dietitians with PMS
About the study
- Original title
- Registered Dietitians' Knowledge, Beliefs, Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Intake
- Authors
- Spellman E, Gregoire M, Rockway S et al.
- Journal
- Topics in clinical nutrition
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 165
- What was tested
- Omega-3 knowledge and intake
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/01.tin.0000333558.05454.e2
Topics
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