Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake and Circadian Syndrome in U.S. Adults: Evidence from NHANES 2005-2018

Circadian Syndrome (CircS) appears to be a better predictor for cardiovascular disease than Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), and omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3) are generally suggested to alleviate negative health outcomes. This study aims to investigate the association between omega-3 intake and CircS, and examine effect modification by sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.In this cross-sectional study, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2018 were analyzed (n=12,028). Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression was applied to analyze the associations of omega-3 intake with CircS and its components. Subgroup analyses examining the effect modification by sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were followed by a Restricted Cubic Spline investigating the nonlinear associations between omega-3 intake and CircS by race.The weighted prevalence of MetS and CircS was 45.8% and 37.3%, respectively. Overall, no significant associations were found between the intake of total omega-3, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), or Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and CircS. However, omega-3 intake was associated with a lower risk of depression- a component of CircS. Comparing extreme quartiles of omega-3 intake (highest vs lowest), the OR (95% CI) for depressive symptoms was 0.77 (0.64-0.90). Among the Black, those in the highest quartile of omega-3 intake were more likely to have CircS, with the OR (95% CI) of 1.36 (1.02-1.82).No association between omega-3 intake and CircS in the total study population was observed. However, Omega-3 intake was inversely associated with depressive symptoms in American adults. Interactions between race and omega-3 intake in relation to CircS were also identified.