Food Science and Technology Vol. 11(3), pp. 145 - 153
DOI: 10.13189/fst.2023.110302
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Consumption and Purchasing Intent of Omega-3 Enriched Food Products by Lebanese Consumers

Mariam Muhieddine ¹, Maha Krayem ^1,2, Sanaa Khaled ^1,2, Mohamed Salla ^1,2, Hussein F. Hassan ³, Nawal Farhat ^4,5, Sami El Khatib ^1,6,*
1 Department of Food Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa Campus, Lebanon
² Department of Biological Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa Campus, Lebanon
³ Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
⁴ School of Health and Environmental Studies, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
⁵ School of Mathematics and Statistics, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
⁶ Department of Biomedical Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa Campus, Lebanon

ABSTRACT

In the modern nutrition patterns of many populations, consumers' intake of omega-3 oils does not reach the required levels. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) of the most potent omega-3 health benefits and commonly referred to as marine fatty acids, are not sufficiently consumed. This has led to numerous studies and attempts to produce foods enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. While applying fortification techniques, the most important challenge faced is to prevent the degradation of these fatty acids since both EPA and DHA are prone to oxidation. This study aims to predict the intention of Lebanese consumers towards the purchase of omega-3 enriched foods by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior Model. An online self-administered questionnaire was designed and conducted among Lebanese population. Results were collected throughout the month of August, 2021. Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analyses were carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics 25. One hundred and eight (108) responses were received, 88% of which showed positive results on the intention of purchase of omega-3 enriched foods. Multiple linear regression analysis explained 30.4% of the variance in intention (p<0.001), and attitude and behavioral beliefs were the significant determinants of intention. One limitation though is faced within the Lebanese consumers is their economic status; but in general, respondents show willingness to spend money and time to purchase such fortified food provided that promoters should emphasize on the multiple health benefits of such products.

KEYWORDS
Omega-3 Enriched Food, Behavioral Belief, Planned Behavior, Perceived Behavioral Control

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Mariam Muhieddine , Maha Krayem , Sanaa Khaled , Mohamed Salla , Hussein F. Hassan , Nawal Farhat , Sami El Khatib , "Consumption and Purchasing Intent of Omega-3 Enriched Food Products by Lebanese Consumers," Food Science and Technology, Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 145 - 153, 2023. DOI: 10.13189/fst.2023.110302.

(b). APA Format:
Mariam Muhieddine , Maha Krayem , Sanaa Khaled , Mohamed Salla , Hussein F. Hassan , Nawal Farhat , Sami El Khatib (2023). Consumption and Purchasing Intent of Omega-3 Enriched Food Products by Lebanese Consumers. Food Science and Technology, 11(3), 145 - 153. DOI: 10.13189/fst.2023.110302.