Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)-Rich Fish Oil on Cerebral Haemodynamics

Northumbria University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Cerebral Blood Flow; Cognitive Function

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Placebo; Dietary Supplement: DHA-rich fish oil

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01075932

16N2

Details and patient eligibility

About

DHA has previously been shown to increase regional cerebral blood flow response to tactile stimulation in aged monkeys; modulation of cerebral blood flow in humans has yet to be demonstrated. Given that the brain relies on a constant supply of blood-borne metabolic substrates (e.g. glucose, oxygen), increasing regional cerebral blood flow may also have an impact on cognitive function. The current study aims to investigate the effects of two doses of DHA-rich fish oil on task-related cerebral hemodynamic response and cognitive performance in healthy adults.

Enrollment: 65 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 35 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

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

Exclusion criteria

• consumes oily fish
• takes omega-3 supplement
• food allergies to treatment ingredients

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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65 participants in 3 patient groups, including a placebo group

1 g DHA-rich fish oil

Active Comparator group

Description:

1 g DHA-rich fish oil containing 450 mg DHA + 90 mg EPA plus 1 g olive oil

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: DHA-rich fish oil

2 g DHA-rich fish oil

Active Comparator group

Description:

2 g DHA-rich fish oil containing 900 mg DHA + 180 mg EPA

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: DHA-rich fish oil

Placebo

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

2 g olive oil

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Placebo