Minimum Time Effect of Fish Oil on Arterial Stiffness

To determine the minimum amount of time for a clinically significant effect of daily fish oil supplementation on arterial stiffness (Figure 1). 30 subjects will be randomized in a double-blind fashion into one of two groups: placebo group or fish oil dietary supplementation group. An individual not associated with the project will monitor the randomization and blinding process. He/she will not be involved in the follow-up data collection. All analyses will be conducted in a blinded fashion.

Pre-enrollment Screening. Several study information sessions will be offered to potential subjects prior to the start of the study. These information sessions will be conducted by the principle investigator. The principle investigator will also arrange office meetings for those who have a time conflict with the information sessions. After obtaining written informed consent the potential candidates will be screened to determine if they satisfy the basic criteria of the study (see below). Candidates will be instructed to fill out a Health History Questionnaire in a place of their choosing. Candidates who successfully complete the screening process will be invited to undergo baseline and follow-up testing (see details below).

Baseline and Follow-up Testing: For baseline and follow-up testing subjects will arrive at Salisbury University Simulation Center between 8:00 and 11:00 am after a 12 hour overnight fast and having performed no vigorous physical activity for the previous 48 hours. Subjects will also be required to abstain from caffeine-containing food or beverages for the previous 24 hours. Each visit will be separated by a period of two weeks.

Visit 1: Resting BP; urine sample (female participants only); anthropometric measurements; high resolution ultrasound and carotid tonometry for measurement of arterial stiffness; pulse wave velocity; dispensing of placebo or fish oil supplement.

Visit 2: Resting BP; anthropometric measurements; high resolution ultrasound and carotid tonometry for measurement of arterial stiffness; pulse wave velocity; dispensing of placebo or fish oil supplement.

Visit 3: Resting BP; anthropometric measurements; high resolution ultrasound and carotid tonometry for measurement of arterial stiffness; pulse wave velocity; dispensing of placebo or fish oil supplement.

Visit 4: Resting BP; anthropometric measurements; high resolution ultrasound and carotid tonometry for measurement of arterial stiffness; pulse wave velocity; dispensing of placebo or fish oil supplement.

Note #1: If resting BP measurements are >130/80 mmHg during the first visit, the subject will be asked to schedule the session at least 48 hours later. If the resting BP measurements are >130/80 mmHg during the next visit, they will be excluded from the study and instructed to follow-up with their primary care provider.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18-30 yearsa,d
• Moderately active (exercise 3-5 days per week, >30 min per day)
• Weight stable for previous 6 months (>2.5 kg)
• Willing to be randomized to treatments and commit to all aspect of study
• Provide health history questionnaire and informed consent.
• Female subjects only- reported regular menstrual cycles for the last 2 years

Exclusion criteria

• BP>140/90
• Diabetes
• Familial hypercholesterolemia
• Past or current history of CHD, stroke or major CVD events. Respiratory diseases, endocrine or metabolic, neurological, or hematological disorders that would compromise the study or the health of the subject.
• Active renal or liver disease
• All medications that influence dependent variablesb
• Recent surgery
• Alcohol abusec
• Women must not be pregnant, plan to become pregnant during the study, or be nursing
• Claustrophobia