Fish and seafood consumption and omega 3 intake in French coastal populations: CALIPSO survey.

OBJECTIVE To describe part of the results of the CALIPSO study, i.e. to provide seafood consumption data on high seafood consumers in France and its contribution to n-3 long-chain (LC) PUFA intake. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS A total of 1011 individuals aged 18 years and over, who consumed fish and seafood at least twice weekly, were recruited. A consumption survey and a local 'total diet study' were performed to examine seafood consumption, fatty acids composition of seafood and to assess n-3 LC PUFA intake. SETTING The CALIPSO survey was conducted in four French coastal regions (Le Havre, Lorient, La Rochelle and Toulon). METHODS The subjects were questioned about their consumption habits, especially concerning fish and seafood, through a first validated FFQ. A sample of the most consumed seafood products (n 47) was analysed for each region for its fatty acid composition. Fatty acids and especially n-3 LC PUFA intakes in this population were then calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The average consumption of fresh and frozen fish was found to be 633, 636.5 and 787.8 g/week among men aged 18-64 years, women aged 18-64 years and people over 65 years, respectively. In these population groups, the consumption of crustaceans and molluscs was 270.3, 259.9 and 279.3 g/week, respectively. The results show that, irrespective of the age group and gender, consumption of fish and seafood twice weekly without excluding oily fish allowed people to reach the national and international recommended n-3 LC PUFA intakes and demonstrates the validity of the French recommendations for fish consumption.