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

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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
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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.

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

Conditions
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Nutrition Intervention, Health Behaviour, Impaired Health

Intervention / Treatment
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* Genetic: Genetic information and Omega-3 fat intake
* Behavioral: General Nutrition related to Omega-3 fats


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 25 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: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Placebo Comparator: Non-genetic Group<br>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. | Behavioral: General Nutrition related to Omega-3 fats<br>* Both the Genetic and Non-Genetic groups will receive general nutrition information about omega-3 fats.<br>|
| Experimental: Genetic Group<br>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. | Genetic: Genetic information and Omega-3 fat intake<br>* Only the Genetic group will receive their personal genetic information prior to beginning the 3-month study.<br>Behavioral: General Nutrition related to Omega-3 fats<br>* Both the Genetic and Non-Genetic groups will receive general nutrition information about omega-3 fats.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Omega-3 Dietary Intake | 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). | Baseline and 12 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Blood Triglycerides (Physiological Parameter) | Triglycerides were measured in fasted serum. Data is reported as mmol/L | baseline and 12 weeks | 
| Change in Omega-3 Index in Blood (Physiological Parameter) | 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. | baseline and 12 weeks |