The YOU-Fish Study: Fish and Omega 3 Supplementation in Young Adults

Summary

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the major causes of mortality, however, it is estimated that approximately 75% of all cases are preventable. Previous evidence has shown higher blood concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease owing to their ability to lower inflammation. The omega-3 index (O3I) is a commonly used marker of n-3 PUFA status, which refers to the percentage of n-3 long chain PUFAs (with respect to total fatty acids) in red blood cell membranes, with an O3I of \>8% associated with the lowest risk of CVD. Concerningly it's estimated that most of the population have an O3I ranging from 4-5%. Fish is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and has been shown to be one of the main predictors of a higher O3I. Current guidelines recommend the consumption of 2 portions of fish per week; however, current UK and Irish intakes are well below the current recommendations, particularly amongst young people. Additionally, professional bodies have noted that a daily omega-3 supplement, providing approximately 500mg EPA + DHA per day, is beneficial in increasing omeag-3 intakes amongst those who may exclude dietary sources such as fish. The regular consumption of fish or omega 3 supplement use could help to increase the O3I, however, it remains unknown as to whether the guidance surrounding these methods are effective in reaching the recommended target of 8%. Early interventions such as increasing the O3I (throughfish and/or supplements) into a lower risk category may be an effective intervention in the prevention of CVD. This human intervention study will investigate the effects of omega 3 supplements and fish on the O3I and vascular health of young adults. It is hypothesised that increasing fish consumption or taking omega 3 supplements will increase the O3I and improve the vascular health of young adults.

Conditions

• Cardiovascular Prevention

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Placebo

Experimental - 2 portions of fish (280g) per week and placebo supplement (corn oil)

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Dietary Supplement/Vitamins

Experimental - Control lunch (no fish) and omega 3 supplement

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Placebo

Placebo comparator - Control lunch (no fish) and placebo supplement

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Dietary Supplement/Vitamins

Experimental - 2 portions of fish (280g) per week and omega 3 supplement

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Ulster

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Emeir McSorley, PhD · Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, BT521SA.

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

FACTORIAL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

30 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-12-01

Primary Completion

2025-06-30

Completion

2025-07-31

Countries

• United Kingdom

Study Locations