Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)-Rich Fish Oil on Cerebral Haemodynamics

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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DHA has previously been shown to increase regional cerebral blood flow response to tactile stimulation in aged monkeys; modulation of cerebral blood flow in humans has yet to be demonstrated. Given that the brain relies on a constant supply of blood-borne metabolic substrates (e.g. glucose, oxygen), increasing regional cerebral blood flow may also have an impact on cognitive function. The current study aims to investigate the effects of two doses of DHA-rich fish oil on task-related cerebral hemodynamic response and cognitive performance in healthy adults.

Official Title
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The Cognitive And Cerebral Hemodynamic Effects Of DHA-Rich Fish Oil: A Dose-Ranging Study

Conditions
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Cerebral Blood Flow, Cognitive Function

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: DHA-rich fish oil
* Dietary Supplement: Placebo


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 oily fish 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: 1 g DHA-rich fish oil<br>1 g DHA-rich fish oil containing 450 mg DHA + 90 mg EPA plus 1 g olive oil | Dietary Supplement: DHA-rich fish oil<br>* Either 1 g or 2 g DHA-rich fish oil taken daily for 12 weeks. Participants in the 1 g group will also consume 1 g olive oil placebo capsules per day to maintain double blind.<br>|
| Active Comparator: 2 g DHA-rich fish oil<br>2 g DHA-rich fish oil containing 900 mg DHA + 180 mg EPA | Dietary Supplement: DHA-rich fish oil<br>* Either 1 g or 2 g DHA-rich fish oil taken daily for 12 weeks. Participants in the 1 g group will also consume 1 g olive oil placebo capsules per day to maintain double blind.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo<br>2 g olive oil | Dietary Supplement: Placebo<br>* 2 g placebo (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 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cerebral blood flow | Cerebral blood flow will be assessed using Near Infrared Spectroscopy while participants complete a series of cognitive tasks. | 12 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cognitive function | Cognitive function will be assessed using a series of tasks that evaluate working memory, attention and executive function. | 12 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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cerebral blood flow, NIRS, n-3 PUFAs, fish oil, cognitive function