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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01075919

Cognitive and Mood Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)-Rich and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)-Rich Fish Oil in Healthy Young Adults

To date, only a small handful of studies have assessed the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on cognitive function in healthy adults. The results from these studies are mixed, and have differed greatly in terms of methodology as regards sample size, treatment formulation and duration of the intervention. In order to address these issues, the present study aims to assess the effects of two different formulations of fish oil in parallel, and at doses consistent with the current recommended daily intake of oily fish, across a range of cognitive domains. The aim of the present investigation is therefore to specifically evaluate the effects of 12 weeks supplementation of DHA-rich fish oil and EPA-rich fish oil dietary supplements on cognitive function in healthy young adults maintaining a regular diet containing oily fish not more than once a week. Self-report mood assessments will form the secondary part of this investigation.

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Key information

Conditions

Cognitive Function Mood

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Northumbria University

Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 8ST, United Kingdom

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male/Female
  • 18-35 years
  • Healthy
  • No herbal supplements/prescription medications (excl. contraceptive pill)
  • Non smoker
  • Native English speaker

Exclusion criteria

  • Consumes ≥ 1 portion oily fish/week
  • takes omega-3 supplement
  • Food allergies to treatment ingredients

Treatment and study plan

n-3 PUFAs

Dietary Supplement

1 g DHA-rich fish oil taken daily for 12 weeks

Placebo

Dietary Supplement

1 g olive oil taken daily for 12 weeks

Primary outcomes

  1. Cognitive performance

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Performance is assessed using the COMPASS (Computerised Mental Performance Assessment) system, which presents a battery of standard cognitive tasks assessing aspects of attention, memory and executive function. The Cognitive Demand Battery (30 minutes)will also be administered and assesses cognitive performance under mental fatigue.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Mood

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Mood will be evaluated using Bond-Lader VAS and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Northumbria University

Other

Collaborators

  • Ginsana SA

Registry information

Official study title

Cognitive and Mood Effects of DHA-rich and EPA-rich Fish Oil in Healthy Young Adults

Important dates

Study start
2007
Primary completion
2008
Study completion
2008
First posted
Feb 25, 2010
Registry last updated
Feb 25, 2010

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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