Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #118431

David B. Wallinga, MD, MPA, Food and Health Program, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, 2105 First Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55404, 612-870-3418, dwallinga@iatp.org

Fats in the American diet reflect an array of agricultural and ecological factors beyond individual choice. Fish, for example, are a good and rich source of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids; yet the feeding of fish meal and commodity grains to farmed fish may adversely affect the overall healthfulness of various types of farmed fish. In the American diet, the ratio omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids may be three to four times higher than is optimal. Recent nutritional science suggests that a relative excess of omega-6 fats at the cellular level may select for increased activity of eicosanoids and other cellular precursors to an inflammatory response. Vegetable oils, such as corn oil and soybean oil, are widespread ingredients in processed foods and beverages, and an important source of omega-6 fatty acids. The possible health impacts on chronic disease with an inflammatory component from agricultural subsidies and excess production of these omega-6 fat sources will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: After attending this session, participants will be able to

• Describe how the consumption of dietary fats is more than a nutrition issue alone, and also may be viewed as an issue of ecological health.
• Give one example of how agricultural policy may help determine essential fatty acid intake

Keywords: Nutrition, Rural Health

Related Web page: www.iatp.org/foodandhealth

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation