Executive Summary

An FDA study reveals that 61% of consumers "have heard of" omega-3 fatty acids, compared to 95% who have heard of saturated fat and 67% who have heard of trans fat, the Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition announces Nov. 22. "Fats and Carbs: A Snapshot of Consumer Knowledge from a Recent FDA survey" is the center's ninth Health and Diet Survey, conducted "to measure public awareness, knowledge, attitudes and reported behavior" related to nutrition. The random-digit-dialing telephone survey questioned a "nationally representative" sample of 1,798 consumers from October 2004 to January 2005. Data show 53% of consumers tried low carb products, while 30% are unlikely to try such products despite having heard of them. Among those limiting carbs in their diet, 54% do so to lose weight while 37% do so "for other purposes." CFSAN also finds that "calories and fat are considered more important than carb in losing weight" by consumers, with 61% trying to limit fat intake, 48% trying to limit calories and 41% trying to limit carbs...