Personalized Nutrition in Young Adults: The Ability of Genetic Information to Motivate Changes in Omega-3 Consumption

Not Applicable

Completed

Conditions: Impaired Health
Health Behaviour
Nutrition Intervention

Interventions: Genetic: Genetic information and Omega-3 fat intake
Behavioral: General Nutrition related to Omega-3 fats

Registration Number: NCT02829138

Lead Sponsor: University of Guelph

Brief Summary: There are many health benefits associated with the consumption of omega-3 dietary fats. Omega-3 fats, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can be found in marine food products such as fatty fish, in fortified products such as eggs and milk, or in dietary supplements such as fish oil. Despite numerous health benefits, it is well documented that most people in Western society are not meeting the recommended daily amounts of EPA and DHA omega-3 fats.

The overall objective of this study is to examine whether providing young adults (18-25 years) with personal genetic information changes behavior with regards to omega-3 fat consumption. In order to achieve this objective, study participants will be divided into two groups: 1. Genetic and 2. Non-Genetic. The Genetic Group will be provided with their personalized information regarding a common gene variant in addition to general information regarding the health benefits of omega-3 fats, while the Non-Genetic Group will only receive the general information. Primary outcomes studied will include dietary habits and secondary outcomes include blood markers of cardiometabolic health.

Detailed Description: There are many health benefits associated with the consumption of omega-3 dietary fats. Omega-3 fats, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can be found in marine food products such as fatty fish, in fortified products such as eggs and milk, or in dietary supplements such as fish oil. Despite numerous health benefits, it is well documented that most people in Western society are not meeting the recommended daily amounts of EPA and DHA omega-3 fats.

The numerous health benefits associated with omega-3 fats are well documented in scientific literature; however, there are a limited number of studies focused on the health effects of omega-3 fats in emerging adults (18-25 years). Indeed, most research to date has been conducted in older adults, with or without hyperlipidemia. In addition, it is important to consider interventions in emerging adults given that behaviours learned in this life stage can persist later in life. It has also been reported that the diet quality (i.e., amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.) is reduced for individuals within this age range; thus highlighting another important reason for targeting this demographic.

The combination of genetic and dietary information (i.e., nutrigenetics) has the potential to not only benefit basic research, but also the general population. Therefore, more research is needed to determine if providing individuals with their genetic information has the potential to encourage behaviour changes. So far, several studies have investigated how people may change their behaviour in response to genetic risk information, but none have conducted a nutrigenetic intervention examining if providing personal genetic information alters diet behaviours.

The overall objective of this study is to examine whether providing emerging adults with personal genetic information changes their behavior with regards to omega-3 consumption. In order to achieve this objective, study participants will be divided into two groups: 1. Genetic and 2. Non-genetic. The Genetic group will be provided with their personal information for a common gene variant in addition to general information regarding the health benefits of omega-3 fats, while the Non-genetic group will only receive the general information. Primary outcomes studied will include dietary habits and secondary outcomes include blood markers of cardiometabolic health.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: COMPLETED

Sex: All

Target Recruitment: 57

Inclusion Criteria

Between the ages of 18-25 years

Exclusion Criteria

Younger than 18 years
Older than 25 years
Allergic to fish and/or shellfish
If the participants are currently consuming high amounts of omega-3 food products
Unable to get to the University of Guelph for study visits (lack of transportation, or lives too far away)
Anticipating a significant change in lifestyle (moving houses, joining the gym, participating in elite athletic activities)
Not comfortable giving blood samples
Taking medication which modifies or changes blood lipid levels
Expecting to become pregnant, pregnant or lactating

Study & Design

Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL

Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Genetic Group	Genetic information and Omega-3 fat intake	Genetic information and Omega-3 fat intake: Individuals in this group will be provided with general nutrition information related to omega-3 fats and health, as well as their personal genetic information for a common gene variant related to omega-3 fatty acid metabolism.
Non-genetic Group	General Nutrition related to Omega-3 fats	General Nutrition related to Omega-3 fats: Individuals in this group will be provided with only general nutrition information related to omega-3 fats and health.
Genetic Group	General Nutrition related to Omega-3 fats	Genetic information and Omega-3 fat intake: Individuals in this group will be provided with general nutrition information related to omega-3 fats and health, as well as their personal genetic information for a common gene variant related to omega-3 fatty acid metabolism.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Omega-3 Dietary Intake	Baseline and 12 weeks	Omega-3 fat intake was assessed using food frequency questionnaires. The Canadian Nutrient File (version 2015) was used to assess the amount of EPA and DHA in whole foods (e.g., fish, eggs, poultry). Data corresponds to EPA + DHA (mg /day).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Omega-3 Index in Blood (Physiological Parameter)	baseline and 12 weeks	Blood fatty acids measured by gas chromatography. Data is reported as a percentage of all detected fatty acids. The omega-3 index is calculated by summing data for 3 omega-3 fats in serum: ALA, EPA, and DHA.
Change in Blood Triglycerides (Physiological Parameter)	baseline and 12 weeks	Triglycerides were measured in fasted serum. Data is reported as mmol/L