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

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

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

Conditions
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Cognitive Function, Mood

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: n-3 PUFAs
* Dietary Supplement: Placebo
* Dietary Supplement: n-3 PUFAs


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 35 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: DHA-rich fish oil<br>1 g DHA-rich fish oil containing 450 mg DHA + 90 mg EPA | Dietary Supplement: n-3 PUFAs<br>* 1 g DHA-rich fish oil taken daily for 12 weeks<br>|
| Active Comparator: EPA-rich fish oil<br>1 g EPA-rich fish oil containing 300 mg EPA + 200 mg DHA | Dietary Supplement: n-3 PUFAs<br>* 1 g EPA-rich fish oil taken daily for 12 weeks<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo<br>1 g Olive oil | Dietary Supplement: Placebo<br>* 1 g olive oil taken daily for 12 weeks<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mood | Mood will be evaluated using Bond-Lader VAS and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales. | 12 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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n-3 PUFAs, Cognitive function, Healthy young adults, Fish oil, Mood