Comparison of the Consumption of N-3 and N-6 Acids by Adults Following a Vegetarian and Traditional Diet
The aim of this study was to compare the consumption of n-3 and n-6 acids by adults using a vegetarian and traditional diet. The study was conducted on a group of 170 adults (18–50 years old), including 94 respondents following a traditional diet (56 women and 38 men) and 76 people following a vegetarian diet (52 women and 24 men). The research used the method of a 24-h interview conducted four days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday). The record included the quantity and quality of individual meals and drinks. The study showed that people consuming traditional diets fulfilled the demand for the fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to a significantly higher degree than people following a vegetarian diet. Men preferring the traditional diet fulfilled the daily requirement for DHA and EPA acids significantly better than women. A reverse tendency was found among respondents who consumed a vegetarian diet. The supply of linolenic acid (LA) in the vegetarian diet exceeded the recommended daily amount (especially among men), whereas with the traditional diet it was too low in relation to the recommended values.