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

Cognitive Function Clinical Trial

Official title:

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

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Completed

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT01075919
• Other study ID #: 16N1
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• First received: February 24, 2010
• Last updated: February 24, 2010
• Start date: December 2007
• Est. completion date: December 2008

Study information

• Verified date: February 2010
• Source: Northumbria University
• Contact: n/a
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Health authority: United Kingdom: Research Ethics Committee
• Study type: Interventional

Clinical Trial Summary

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.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Enrollment: 159
• Est. completion date: December 2008
• Est. primary completion date: December 2008
• Accepts healthy volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers
• Gender: Both
• Age group: 18 Years to 35 Years

Eligibility

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

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Basic Science

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Cognitive Function
• Mood

Intervention

Dietary Supplement:
• n-3 PUFAs
1 g DHA-rich fish oil taken daily for 12 weeks
• Placebo
1 g olive oil taken daily for 12 weeks
• n-3 PUFAs
1 g EPA-rich fish oil taken daily for 12 weeks

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
United Kingdom	Northumbria University	Newcastle upon Tyne	Tyne and Wear

Sponsors (2)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
Northumbria University	Ginsana SA

Country where clinical trial is conducted

United Kingdom, 

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Primary	Cognitive performance	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.	12 weeks	No
Secondary	Mood	Mood will be evaluated using Bond-Lader VAS and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales.	12 weeks	No

External Links

•   Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University