Background and Objective: Increased life expectancy also causes an increase in various diseases associated with inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory effects but these effects are influenced by the presence of omega-6 fatty acids because they compete in the synthesis of eicosanoids. Therefore, the ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intake is important to consider. The ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intake will affect the level of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the ratio of omega-3 / omega-6 fatty acid intake with the level of omega-3 fatty acid of erythrocyte membranes in the elderly in five registered nursing homes in South Tangerang City. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 101 elderly subjects using proportional random sampling method. The ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) and the omega-3 fatty acid levels of the erythrocyte membrane were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We use Spearman's analysis to see the correlation. Results: The mean age of the participants was 75.5±7.6 years and the majority of participants were women (73.3%). Furthermore, the median ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intake was 0.08 (0.05-0.23) and the median value of erythrocyte membrane omega-3 fatty acids for ALA = 10.06 (4.9-24.9) μg mL1, EPA = 14.6 (5.06 - 81.02) ug mL1, DHA = 115.5 (20.6-275.09) ug mL1, total omega-3 = 144.1 (89.3 - 332.1) μg mL1. Conclusion: No correlation was found between the ratio of omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid intake with the level of omega-3 fatty acid erythrocyte membrane among institutionalized elderly. (r = -0.06, p = 0.6 for ALA; r = 0.06, p = 0.5 for EPA, r = -0.07, p = 0.5 for DHA and r = -0.06, p = 0.5 for total omega-3).
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