The Influence of Fish Consumption on Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) Status

Summary

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are important for health, for example for the immune system, heart health and the brain. PUFA are found in fish, nuts and oils; including these foods in the diet provides the body with PUFA. The body can also produce some PUFA in a series of steps. It has been found that genetics influences the levels of PUFA produced in the body. This study will investigate whether fish consumption influences PUFA status in women of childbearing age when accounting for FADS genotype by conducting a controlled human intervention study. Participants will be asked to consume none, one or two portions of oily fish per week for 8 weeks and their response in PUFA status measured. This study will also use collected blood, hair, urine and faecal samples collected from the intervention study to explore other biomarkers of fish consumption. The aim of this study is to investigate whether fish consumption influences PUFA status in women of childbearing age when accounting for FADS genotype and to explore the potential of a novel biomarker, using hair MeHg:δ34S values, to accurately predict fish consumption. The study will initially involve providing a buccal swab sample which will investigate genes which are related to fatty acids. The participant will provide a buccal swab sample so that their genotype can be determined. The researcher who will contact the participant once genotype has been determined to arrange a baseline appointment. Participants will attend the Human Intervention Studies Unit at Ulster University, Coleraine once or twice weekly for a period of 8 weeks where they will receive lunch. This lunch will contain either tuna, sardines, or no fish depending on the intervention group you will be allocated to. Examples of lunch time meals they may receive include sandwiches, baked potato or salad which will include the type of fish they have been allocated to receive. Those allocated to the no fish group will receive a fish free alternative lunch. Participants will be asked to continue to follow their normal diet and lifestyle over the intervention period of 8 weeks. All participants will attend a baseline and post intervention appointment where they will have weight, height and body composition measured. Participants will also complete questionnaires to provide medical, lifestyle and dietary information. All participants will be asked to provide a sample of blood, urine, hair and faeces to assess biomarkers of fish consumption at baseline and post intervention appointments. Collected blood, urine, hair and faecal samples will be analysed for biomarkers of fish consumption. Participants will also be asked to return to the Human Intervention Studies Unit (HISU) 8 weeks after the intervention study has been completed (week 16) to provide a third hair sample and complete a Fish Feedback Questionnaire. In the 8 wks following conclusion of the study they will be free to return to their normal diet.

Conditions

• Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) Status

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Fish

Lunch containing fish

OTHER

Control

Lunch containing no fish

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Rochester

  collaborator OTHER

• Lund University

  collaborator OTHER

• Ministry of Health, Republic of Seychelles

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University of Ulster

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

45 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2016-09-01

Primary Completion

2017-05-31

Completion

2017-05-31

Countries

• United Kingdom

Study Locations