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

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Mood; Cognitive Function
• Interventions: Dietary Supplement: n-3 PUFAs; Dietary Supplement: Placebo

• Registration Number: NCT01075919
• Lead Sponsor: Northumbria University

Brief 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.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2007-12
• Primary Completion: 2008-12
• Study Completion: 2008-12
• Status Verified: 2010-02
• Study First Submitted: 2010-02-24
• Study First Submitted QC: 2010-02-24
• Last Update Submitted: 2010-02-24
• Study First Posted: 2010-02-25
• Last Update Posted: 2010-02-25

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 159

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

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
EPA-rich fish oil	n-3 PUFAs	1 g EPA-rich fish oil containing 300 mg EPA + 200 mg DHA
DHA-rich fish oil	n-3 PUFAs	1 g DHA-rich fish oil containing 450 mg DHA + 90 mg EPA
Placebo	Placebo	1 g Olive oil

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Cognitive performance	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 Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Mood	12 weeks	Mood will be evaluated using Bond-Lader VAS and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Northumbria University; 🇬🇧 Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom