Research
Omega-3 at BASF: Why Knowledge Doesn't Change Behavior
A BASF study reveals a striking paradox: even when people know exactly how to improve their Omega-3 intake, most don't change their behavior.
Research
A BASF study reveals a striking paradox: even when people know exactly how to improve their Omega-3 intake, most don't change their behavior.
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Sometimes, even large corporations seem to care about their employees. At least, that's what a study suggests—one conducted by BASF in collaboration with several academic institutions.
Someone in BASF's Corporate Health Management had the idea to voluntarily and randomly check the Omega-3 Index (O3I) of employees.
As a reminder: the Omega-3 Index describes the content of the essential fatty acids DHA and EPA in the membrane of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and is therefore an important measure of the body's supply of these fatty acids.
The study notes:
«Increased intake of EPA and DHA through food or dietary supplements has been associated with improvements in cardiovascular risk factors such as blood lipids, blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, platelet aggregation, endothelial function, and inflammation.»
Higher values would certainly be worth encouraging in employees, since this could have a protective effect—which would also benefit the employer. Makes sense! If only this principle were applied more broadly to all nutrients…
The results were disappointing for everyone involved. The O3I averaged 4.1%—corresponding to severe Omega-3 deficiency and an estimated daily intake of approximately 200 mg.
The target range for adequate supply begins at 7–8%. The recommendation of two portions of fatty fish per week would provide at least 350 mg—far more than the BASF employees achieved. 99.6% of employees fell below the O3I reference value of 8%.
But here we encounter the daily reality in Switzerland and human behavior. Employees were informed about what the O3I is and how they could optimize it. Yet only half of those affected showed interest.
Those who did became interested increased their DHA and EPA intake by roughly 100 mg, which might raise their O3I to perhaps 4.5%. This shows: even when people see it in black and white, they rarely change anything.
We don't give up either! :-)
But the study authors don't give up either, and they say:
«We suspect that greater increases in O3I could be achieved through an extended observation period and more intensive nutritional counseling. Another open question is whether, given the general Western lifestyle, supplementation should be emphasized more strongly.»
And that brings us back to edubily and this newsletter. After all, you get the best long-term health guidance from us—practically with your morning routine. And of course, you can «emphasize» your personal supplementation more strongly with us. ;-)
Whether you'll act differently than the BASF employees who know but don't act—we'll soon find out. [Source no longer available] explains everything about O3I to you. Let's go!
