UW Student Omega-3 and Diet Study

Study Recruitment

The Study:

We are also interested in measuring levels of important omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in the blood, which are mainly found in fish and seafood and are important for brain and heart health.

Participation requirements:

  1. Booking in time to visit our lab (BMH 2416) to provide a venous-drawn blood sample after fasting overnight.
  2. After this visit, participants will be asked to complete 2 x Online Dietary Recall 

Once completed, you will be provided with a report highlighting your blood Omega-3 values 

To learn more about our study you can follow this link to our eligibility screener

Background

This project aims to look at the eating habits of undergraduate students at the University of Waterloo, with a special focus on foods that are considered ultra-processed! These are foods that are usually quick and convenient, like packaged snacks, fast food, or sugary drinks, but are often low in nutrients.

By looking at both diet and blood measures, this study will help us understand how much ultra-processed food students are eating, and whether this affects their omega-3 levels. We will also explore whether eating habits differ between students in different faculties across campus. 

Eligible participants will be invited to visit our lab for a fasted venous blood draw and complete a brief Omega-3 Food Screener. Within two weeks of the lab visit, participants will be asked to complete multiple 24-hour dietary recalls.

Ethics

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board (ORE#47779).