Co-Design of an Evidence-Based Practice Continuing Education Course for Canadian Naturopathic Doctors.

Objectives: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a clinical decision-making process combining the best available scientific evidence with clinician expertise and patient preference. While EBP has been associated with a range of benefits, it is recognized that EBP is used suboptimally by a range of health professionals, including naturopathic doctors (NDs). Canadian NDs have expressed a high level of interest in opportunities to improve their EBP skills; however, barriers exist, including those that apply broadly to health professionals, and those that are unique to the naturopathic profession. The objective of the present project was to co-design an EBP continuing education (CE) course tailored to the needs and preferences of Canadian NDs. Design: These needs were solicited through the use of focus groups. Groups were stratified based on participants' use of evidence at baseline. The focus groups asked NDs about their definition of EBP, and their interest in an EBP course, including preferred content, and method of delivery. The focus group discussions were transcribed, and thematic analysis was completed. Subjects: Twenty-two Canadian NDs participated. Results: Participants reported a high level of understanding of EBP, a high level of interest in participating in an EBP course and provided actionable recommendations about course content and delivery. Some of the themes that emerged were consistent across the groups while others differed by stratification. Conclusions: The findings of this project will inform the development and evaluation of a future CE course.

Cheese Intake is Inversely Associated with LDL Cholesterol in Young Children.

Purpose: To determine if intake (servings/day) of total dairy and/or dairy subtypes (milk, cheese, and yogurt) were associated with biomarkers related to dyslipidemia, insulin sensitivity and inflammation in a sample of cardio-metabolically healthy young children from the Guelph Family Health Study at the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.Methods: Baseline data from 42 children (aged 2.0-6.2 years) from 33 families who provided a dietary assessment and a fasted blood sample were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Linear and logistic regressions using generalized estimating equations were used for analysis and models were adjusted for age, gender, and household income.Results: In total, 42 children (3.74 ± 1.23 years old; mean (± SD)) consumed median (25th percentile, 75th percentile) servings/day of 1.70 (1.16, 2.81) for total dairy, 0.74 (0.50, 1.70) for milk, 0.63 (0.00, 1.16) for cheese, and 0.00 (0.00, 0.38) for yogurt. Cheese intake was significantly inversely associated with LDL cholesterol (-0.16 (95% CI: -0.29, -0.03) mmol/L per serving; P = 0.02)). No other associations between dairy intake and biomarkers were significant.Conclusions: Cheese intake was inversely associated with LDL cholesterol in this preliminary study of cardio-metabolically healthy young children, thereby warranting further research on dairy intake and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Barriers and facilitators of household provision of dairy and plant-based dairy alternatives in families with preschool-age children.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators of the provision of dairy and plant-based dairy alternatives (PBDA) by parents of preschool-age children, a previously unexplored area of research. DESIGN: Five focus groups of parents were conducted and audio-recorded. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. SETTING: University of Guelph, in Guelph, ON, Canada in 2019. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-two (n 19 mothers, 13 fathers) parents of preschool-age children. Most (59 %) were university or college educated. RESULTS: Facilitators common to both dairy and PBDA provision included perceived nutritional benefits, such as dairy's Ca, protein and fat content, and PBDA's protein content, and the perception that PBDA adds variety to the diet. Facilitators unique to dairy v. PBDA provision included the taste of, familiarity with, and greater variety and accessibility of dairy products, specifically child-friendly products. A facilitator unique to PBDA v. dairy provision was ethical concerns regarding dairy farming practices. Barriers common to both dairy and PBDA provision included perceived cost, concerns regarding the environmental impact of production, and high sugar content. Barriers specific to dairy included use of antibiotics and hormones in dairy production. A barrier specific to PBDA was the use of pesticides. CONCLUSION: Behaviour change messages targeting parents of preschoolers can emphasise the nutrition non-equivalence of dairy and some PBDA and can educate parents on sources of affordable, unsweetened dairy and PBDA.

Dissection versus Prosection: A Comparative Assessment of the Course Experiences, Approaches to Learning, and Academic Performance of Non-medical Undergraduate Students in Human Anatomy.

Many institutions rely upon prosection-based laboratories as more resource-efficient and time-effective alternatives to traditional cadaver dissection for human anatomy education. To facilitate growing enrollment numbers despite resource limitations, the University of Guelph (a non-medical institution) introduced a modified "stepwise" prosection-based laboratory cohort to supplement a dissection-based course. In this design, all students attended the same lectures, but those in the dissection-based cohort learned by performing regional dissections and students in the prosection-based cohort studied from those dissections. Prosection students thereby witnessed a "slow reveal" of structures throughout the course. This study compared the perceived course experiences, student approaches to learning, and academic performance between the two groups. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to isolate the effect of the laboratory environment on student approaches to learning and academic performance from demographic and situational covariates. Both groups reported positive course experience ratings and high average final grades that were not statistically dissimilar (P > 0.05), increased reliance on deep approaches to learning (P = 0.002), and decreased reliance on surface approaches to learning (P = 0.023). When controlling for covariates, participation in dissection had small but statistically significant positive associations with deep approaches to learning (P = 0.043), performance on laboratory oral assessments (P < 0.001), and average final grades (P = 0.039). Ultimately, both designs promoted meaningful learning and desirable performance outcomes, indicating that both dissection and stepwise prosection have the potential to facilitate high quality human anatomy instruction.

Dairy and Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives Purchasing Habits of Guelph-Based Families with Preschool-Aged Children.

Purpose: To investigate dairy and plant-based dairy alternatives (DPBDA) purchasing habits, including comparisons among locations of purchase and among subtypes of DPBDA, of families with preschool-aged children.Methods: Expenditures on food and DPBDA were calculated using grocery and food receipts collected for 3 weeks from 51 households in and around Guelph, Ontario, Canada. DPBDA were coded by subtypes (alternatives, cheese/yogurt, cow's milk, cream, and ice cream/other) and by locations of purchase, which were coded as big-box, discount, high-end, local/other, and midrange stores. Logistic regression using generalized estimating equations was used to investigate odds of purchasing DPBDA by location of purchase. All models included family income and number of children as potential confounders.Results: Ninety-eight percent of families purchased cheese/yogurt, 92% purchased cow's milk, and 35% of families purchased plant-based dairy alternatives. Families were more likely to purchase DPBDA from big-box stores than discount, midrange, or local/other stores (P < 0.01) and were more likely to purchase cheese/yogurt than dairy alternatives, cream, or ice cream/other subtypes (P < 0.01). Odds of purchasing were not different between cheese/yogurt and cow's milk.Conclusion: Families' DPBDA purchasing habits differ by purchase location and subtype. Further research is warranted to understand the factors affecting these purchasing habits.

Interventions Aimed at Increasing Dairy and/or Calcium Consumption of Preschool-Aged Children: A Systematic Literature Review.

Dairy product consumption is important during childhood, as dairy products provide nutrients to support growth and development. However, a high proportion of children globally are not meeting recommended daily intakes, which may have long-term health implications. Accumulating evidence suggests that interventions aimed at instilling healthy lifestyle habits are most effective when initiated during the preschool years. Therefore, the purpose of the review was to identify the characteristics of effective dairy and/or calcium interventions targeting preschool-aged children. A systematic literature review identified 14 intervention studies published between 1998⁻2018 addressing dairy/calcium intakes in the preschool population (1.5 to 5 years). Intervention reporting was assessed using intervention intensity, behavior change techniques and Workgroup for Intervention Development and Evaluation Research (WIDER), with the quality of studies evaluated using risk of bias and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Five of the 14 studies included in the review reported significant improvements in children's dairy (4/5) or calcium (1/5) intake. Characteristics that may enable intervention effectiveness include the delivery of interventions in one setting (preschool facility), using specific behavior change techniques (environmental restructuring and teach to use prompts/cues), and targeting both parent and child. Overall, the interventions assessed demonstrated variable success and highlighted the need for developing effective interventions designed to increase dairy and/or calcium intakes in preschool-aged children.

Investigating the Use of an Electronic Activity Monitor System as a Component of Physical Activity and Weight-Loss Interventions in Nonclinical Populations: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Electronic activity monitor systems (EAMSs) have been readily incorporated into physical activity (PA) and weight-loss interventions to facilitate self-monitoring PA behavior. A comprehensive review is required to better understand their utility as intervention modalities in nonclinical populations. METHODS: Medscape, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases were searched in February 2017, with a search update in April 2017. Citation screening, risk of bias assessment, and an intensity evaluation were conducted in duplicate by 2 investigators. RESULTS: The search returned 409 unique citations. Of which, 22 citations met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies found significant between-group differences: 3 in weight loss, 3 in PA levels, and 1 in both weight loss and PA levels. Effective interventions lasted 6 weeks to 12 months. Positive health outcomes were demonstrated when users interacted with multiple features of the EAMS and had access to other services, such as personal coaching or environmental reinforcement. CONCLUSIONS: When control and intervention groups have access to the same components, such as counseling or group interaction, the addition of an EAMS for self-monitoring within the intervention group may not confer more favorable results. Risk of performance bias and low sample sizes should be addressed in future trials to generate more reliable findings.

A Systematic Review of Tools Measuring Nutrition Knowledge of Pre-Adolescents and Adolescents in a School-Based Setting.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of nutrition knowledge is common in interventions targeting dietary modifications in a school-based setting. Previous research has noted a general lack of disclosure regarding the details and psychometric properties of nutrition knowledge tools, which makes uptake of previously used instruments extremely difficult. METHODS: Our systematic literature review sought to identify interventions measuring nutrition knowledge in school settings to students aged 9 to 18. Studies were categorized according to content subject and relevant descriptive characteristics and psychometric properties were extracted. RESULTS: Following the initial screening of 16,868 articles, 308 papers were evaluated for eligibility. Sixty-seven studies consistent with the inclusion criteria were included in the review. A minority of studies reported analysis of validity (31.3%) and/or reliability (40.3%), and 73.1% of studies had at least one unknown relevant descriptive characteristic. The majority (68.7%) of studies were custom developed, of which only 13 reproduced the tool in the publication. CONCLUSION: Overall, there was an alarming lack of reporting across studies, both in terms of the description of knowledge tools as well as their psychometric properties. These omissions make the selection of appropriate instruments for use in novel contexts difficult, and highlight the need for greater disclosure and pre-intervention testing.

Effectiveness of royal jelly supplementation in glycemic regulation: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Royal jelly (RJ) has been observed to have therapeutic properties in diabetic individuals, including the reduction of high blood sugar. This systematic review synthesized existing evidence to investigate the effectiveness of RJ supplementation in managing measures of blood glucose. AIM: To determine the effectiveness of RJ supplementation on glycemic responses in healthy and non-insulin dependent diabetic adults, as well as animal models of diabetes. METHODS: This was a systematic review employing the PRISMA strategy. Peer-reviewed, published articles were extracted from several databases using key words related to target population, intervention and outcome and hand-selected for inclusion. Included articles proceeded to data extraction phase, where information on target parameters and effectiveness of treatment was summarized. Following this, the risk of bias for each included study was evaluated. Then, the long-term and immediate effectiveness of RJ supplementation in glycemic control were assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) tool, which rates the quality of evidence. RESULTS: Of 168 articles extracted from database searching, eighteen were included for analysis in this systematic review. Across the studies, studied populations, intervention styles and outcome measures were largely heterogeneous. Despite this, the results in studies indicate a general trend of positive effect of RJ in glycemic regulation in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, some dose-dependent glycemic effects were observed, along with some large effect sizes. The risk of bias for human and animal studies is generally low-unclear risk, although lack of blinding is a serious concern in both categories. Overall, as per the GRADE tool, the quality of evidence is low, and very low for long-term and immediate effectiveness of RJ, respectively. A major limitation affecting evidence quality is the heterogeneity among included studies. Fasting blood glucose and glucose clearance appear to be most affected by RJ supplementation. CONCLUSION: Quality of evidence suggesting that RJ is an effective modulator of glycemic regulation is low for long-term effects of RJ, and very low for immediate effects.

Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome: Two sides of the same coin? A scoping review to determine the lexicon of the current diagnostic criteria.

OBJECTIVE: Consistent terminology to describe the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia (FM) and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is required to address the reported inadequacies in diagnosis. The present review investigated intervention studies in FM and MPS populations to determine the lexicon of the current diagnostic criteria used to identify chronic musculoskeletal pain patients. METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a scoping review to review systematically the literature obtained from five scientific databases between 1997 and February 2017. Included studies consisted of intervention studies that involved symptomatic musculoskeletal pain patients, of any age or gender, presenting with FM or MPS. Included studies were evaluated for musculoskeletal condition and the diagnostic criteria used to identify patient conditions. Extraction of study criteria focused on whether diagnostic criteria were explicitly stated, the diagnostic criteria used, physical findings, symptomatic duration and the profession of the healthcare provider who confirmed diagnosis. RESULTS: We identified 493 interventions, of which 410 were related to FM and 83 to MPS. The lexicon of the diagnostic criteria used for MPS tended to be less consistent in comparison to FM criteria, with notable differences in all comparative categories. CONCLUSIONS: The current review identified inconsistencies associated with the lexicon of the diagnostic criteria used to diagnose FM and MPS, and showed that there is wide variability in the terminology currently being used. These findings may have important implications for future development of consistent criteria to diagnose FM and MPS patients accurately.

A comparison of the clinical manifestation and pathophysiology of myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia: implications for differential diagnosis and management.

Two prominent forms of chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders are fibromyalgia (FM) and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Inconsistent diagnosis of chronic musculoskeletal pain is an important clinical issue, as MPS is often mistaken for FM. Distinction between the two diagnoses depends largely on identification of either tender points or myofascial trigger points in FM and MPS, respectively. However, there currently is no standard diagnostic protocol for MPS. Consequently, this results in a lack of consistency across health care practitioners diagnosing both FM and MPS. Therefore, developing sensitive and reliable mechanism-based diagnostic criteria is imperative to the field of musculoskeletal pain. The focus of this review is to discuss the common and unique features of FM and MPS in the context of their epidemiology, clinical features, and pathophysiology. This review will address inconsistency among health care practitioners' diagnoses, and present alternative diagnostic tools with potential for inclusion into a mechanism-based diagnostic protocol.

La fibromyalgie (FM) et le syndrome de douleur myofasciale (SDM) sont deux formes de douleur musculosquelettique chronique. Le SDM est souvent confondu avec la FM; un manque de cohérence dans l'établissement d'un diagnostic de douleur musculosquelettique constitue un problème clinique grave. La différence entre les deux diagnostics dépend en grande partie de l'identification des points sensibles ou des points déclencheurs de FM et du SDM, respectivement. Mais il n'existe toujours pas de protocole normalisé pour diagnostiquer le SDM, ce qui explique le manque de cohérence observé chez les professionnels de la santé qui posent des diagnostics de FM ou de SDM. Il est donc primordial d'établir des critères diagnostiques fondés sur un mécanisme cohérent et fiable pour ce qui est de la douleur musculosquelettique. La présente revue vise à examiner les caractéristiques communes et particulières de la FM et du SDM en tenant compte de leur épidémiologie, leurs caractéristiques cliniques et leur physiopathologie. Dans la présente revue, nous abordons l'incohérence des diagnostics posés par des professionnels de la santé et présentons d'autres outils diagnostiques permettant l'inclusion d'un protocole fondé sur un mécanisme.

Associations between low back pain and depression and somatization in a Canadian emerging adult population.

INTRODUCTION: The association between depression, somatization and low back pain has been minimally investigated in a Canadian emerging adult population. METHODS: 1013 first year Canadian university students completed the Modified Zung Depression Index, the Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire, and a survey about low back pain frequency and intensity. Multinomial logistic regression was used to measure associations between low back pain and depression and somatization, both independently and co-occurring. RESULTS: Over 50% of subjects reported low back pain across grades, and both depression and somatization were significantly positively associated with low back pain. Several positive associations between the cooccurrence of somatization and depression with various grades of low back pain were observed. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that low back pain, depression and somatization are relatively common at the onset of adulthood, and should be considered an important focus of public health.

INTRODUCTION: L'association entre la dépression, la conversion et la lombalgie a fait l'objet de très peu d'études au sein d'une population adulte émergente canadienne. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Au total, 1 013 étudiants universitaires canadiens de première année ont rempli l'indice de dépression de Zung modifié, le questionnaire de perception somatique modifié et un sondage sur la fréquence et l'intensité de la lombalgie. On a utilisé la régression logistique multinominale pour mesurer les associations entre la lombalgie, la dépression et la conversion, tant de façon indépendante que cooccurrente. RÉSULTATS: Plus de 50 % des sujets ont déclaré de la lombalgie sur plusieurs stades et tant la dépression que la conversion étaient associées de manière positive et étroite à la lombalgie. On a observé plusieurs associations positives entre la cooccurrence de la conversion et de la dépression et divers stades de lombalgie. DISCUSSION: Ces résultats laissent entendre que la lombalgie, la dépression et la conversion sont relativement communes au début de l'âge adulte et doivent représenter un facteur important en santé publique.

Barriers and Facilitators to Intake of Dairy Products in Adolescent Males and Females With Different Levels of Habitual Intake.

Background: Dairy products and alternatives can contribute to overall good health including positive body composition and decreased adiposity; however, these foods are grossly underconsumed by youth, and worldwide, almost 25% of children are overweight or obese. Objective: The study investigated the barriers and facilitators toward dairy consumption by Grade 7 youth. Methods: Thirty 50-minute, audio-recorded focus groups were conducted with 134 students in eight Grade 7 classes across 5 elementary schools. Focus groups were led by trained facilitators in the elementary schools and participants were separated based on dairy consumption and gender. Recorded data were transcribed and thematically analyzed using qualitative analysis software to identify themes related to barriers and facilitators to dairy product intake by each gender. Results: Factors considered important by males and females across different levels of habitual intake include personal knowledge about dairy products and misconceptions regarding dairy foods and their associated health benefits; food characteristics, including taste; personal behaviors such as habits or routines including dairy products; social environments including parental and peer influence; physical environments factors such as availability and skipping meals; and the convenience of dairy products. Interestingly, only males noted sports as a positive influence for dairy product intake. Also, there were differences in the way males and females perceived dining out as affecting their dairy intake. Conclusion: Results suggest several potential factors that nutrition education interventions aiming to increase dairy consumption could target.

Perceptions and use of sources of health knowledge by young adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Understanding how adolescents acquire health knowledge and where they currently seek answers to health-related questions may facilitate the development of interventions that will be both engaging and effective, and may help to improve health over the short- and long-term. OBJECTIVE: The present study sought to investigate the perception and use of sources of health knowledge by young adolescents as stratified by gender. METHODS: Thirty 50-min long focus groups were conducted with 143 participants. Focus group questions were built around the following three main categories: sources of knowledge, including preferred sources, sources accessed for general health, and sources accessed for personal/sensitive health; health information and behaviour change, including characteristics of health knowledge presentation that have influenced behaviour change; and learning preferences to promote behaviour change. Content analysis of focus group transcripts was performed. RESULTS: The use of sources of health knowledge was similar between genders, with some differences noted between sources accessed for general as compared to personal health questions. As well, motivation appeared to be the primary influence of health behaviour change, with knowledge being reported as both as positive and neutral influence, most notably in the areas of diet and exercise. Lastly, adolescents reported several characteristics of health knowledge presentation that they felt would motivate positive behaviour change, including engaging and participatory activities. CONCLUSION: These results should be considered in the development of interventions to improve health-related behaviour in adolescents, although future research to quantify the use of sources of health knowledge by this population is recommended.

Systematic Review of School-Based Interventions to Modify Dietary Behavior: Does Intervention Intensity Impact Effectiveness?

BACKGROUND: Owing to the associations between diet and health, it is important that effective health promotion strategies establish healthful eating behaviors from an early age. We reviewed the intensity of school-based interventions aimed to modify dietary behavior in preadolescent and adolescents and related intervention characteristics to effectiveness. METHODS: Our systematic literature search of 8 databases sought to identify interventions measuring dietary intake in school settings to students aged 9 to 18. We evaluated these studies for effectiveness, intensity, intervention category, and follow-up measures. RESULTS: Of the 105 interventions 81 were found to be effective immediately postintervention, irrespective of intensity. Studies that were 6 weeks to 5 months in duration, targeted students' environment or group (alone or in combination), and reached students only in schools were more effective. Only one-fifth of interventions conducted a follow-up measure, and a majority showed a loss of effectiveness from postintervention to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We identified characteristics of effective interventions. These findings may inform the development of future interventions targeting dietary behavior in preadolescents and adolescents in the school-based setting.

Evidence-informed strategies for undergraduate nutrition education: a review.

This review focuses on evidence-informed strategies to enhance learning in undergraduate nutrition education. Here, we describe the general shift in undergraduate education from a teacher-centered model of teaching to a student-centered model and present approaches that have been proposed to address the challenges associated with this shift. We further discuss case-based, project-based, and community-based learning, patient simulation, and virtual clinical trials as educational strategies to improve students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills; these strategies are well suited to the teaching of undergraduate nutrition. The strategies are defined, and we discuss the potential benefits to students and how they can be applied specifically to the teaching of undergraduate nutrition. Finally, we provide a critical analysis of the limitations associated with these techniques and propose several directions for future research, including research methodologies that may best evaluate teaching strategies in terms of both teaching and learning outcomes. Consideration of these evidence-informed strategies is warranted, given their ability to encourage students to develop relevant skills that will facilitate their transition beyond the university classroom.

A guide to using case-based learning in biochemistry education.

Studies indicate that the majority of students in undergraduate biochemistry take a surface approach to learning, associated with rote memorization of material, rather than a deep approach, which implies higher cognitive processing. This behavior relates to poorer outcomes, including impaired course performance and reduced knowledge retention. The use of case-based learning (CBL) into biochemistry teaching may facilitate deep learning by increasing student engagement and interest. Abundant literature on CBL exists but clear guidance on how to design and implement case studies is not readily available. This guide provides a representative review of CBL uses in science and describes the process of developing CBL modules to be used in biochemistry. Included is a framework to implement a directed CBL assisted with lectures in a content-driven biochemistry course regardless of class size. Moreover, this guide can facilitate adopting CBL to other courses. Consequently, the information presented herein will be of value to undergraduate science educators with an interest in active learning pedagogies.

Student use and pedagogical impact of a mobile learning application.

Mobile learning (m-learning) is a relevant innovation in teaching and learning in higher education. A mobile app called NutriBiochem was developed for use in biochemistry and nutrition education for students in a second year Biochemistry and Metabolism course. NutriBiochem was accessed through smartphones, tablets, or computers. Students were surveyed upon completion of the final exam (n = 88). Survey questions assessed frequency of use, motivations for use, and perceptions of app usefulness. The pedagogical impact of NutriBiochem was evaluated by measuring the relationship between frequency of use and final course grade. Just over half of the students used the app, and ∼80% of users accessed the app moderately or infrequently. Smartphones were the most common device and the preferred device on which to access the app. There were no statistical differences in mean final grade between users and nonusers. Students with higher comfort levels with technology accessed the app more broadly than those with lower level of comfort with technology. Over 75% of students agreed that NutriBiochem was a useful learning tool, but fewer (∼45%) felt it helped them perform better in the course. The findings of this study are important, as they suggest that NutriBiochem is an effective study tool for students who are comfortable with technology, and access it regularly. Overall, the use of mobile applications in science education has been shown to be: 1) effective in enhancing students' learning experience; 2) relevant and important as an emergent method of learning given modern pressures facing higher education; and, 3) met with positive student attitudes and perceptions in terms of adopting and using such technology for educational purposes.

Direct quantitation of omega-3 fatty acid intake of Canadian residents of a long-term care facility.

An increased dietary intake of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA; >or=20 carbons, >or=3 carbon-carbon double bonds), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), is associated with the decreased risk and incidence of several morbidities afflicting the elderly, including cognitive decline, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, and macular degeneration. In this study, the dietary intake and blood levels of fatty acids were directly determined in residents of a retirement home or assisted living phase of a continuum of care facility for Canadian seniors. Finger-tip-prick blood samples, 3-day food duplicates, and 3-day food records were collected. The fatty acid composition of food duplicates and blood was determined by gas chromatography. Fifteen participants (7 male, 8 female; 87.1 +/- 4.8 years of age) completed the protocol. The daily intake of EPA and DHA combined, determined directly, was 70 mg (95% CI, 41-119) or 0.036% of total energy (95% CI, 0.022-0.058). In finger-tip-prick blood, the percent of n-3 HUFA in total HUFA of whole blood, a biomarker of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid status, was 28.8 +/- 5.2%. Correlations between daily n-3 HUFA intake and n-3 HUFA in blood were not significant (r = 0.14; n = 15), but became significant after the removal of 2 participants who appeared to consume fish irregularly (r = 0.59; n = 13). The n-3 HUFA intake and corresponding n-3 HUFA blood levels of Canadian long-term care residents are lower than levels estimated to prevent several morbidities associated with aging.