About this study
The omega-3 fatty acids, also known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential long-chain fatty acids required by the human body. They are vital for cellular growth, brain and cardiovascular health. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential because the body cannot produce them on its own and therefore must obtain them from the diet.
The American Heart Association recommends consuming 1 to 2 servings of seafood per week to maintain heart health. Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids may come from:
- fatty fish sources such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines and herring
- plant sources such as flaxseed, chia seeds, soybean and canola oil.
Notwithstanding, the modern diet often falls short of providing adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, fish oil supplementation may help to achieve sufficient levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Nonetheless, many fish oil supplements on the market have suboptimal bioavailability, which limits absorption in the human body. Fish oil supplements with improved absorption and bioavailability are thus needed.
The current study therefore investigates a newly innovated dietary fish oil supplement with a novel self-emulsifying delivery method and its impact on bioavailability in healthy participants.
We welcome all interested participants to support our research.
Inclusion criteria
To apply to take part, you must:
- be healthy (any gender)
- be aged 18 to 60 years old
- have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5 to 29.9kg/m2 (BMI is calculated using the formula body weight (kg) / height (m) x height (m))
- be able to communicate well in English
- live in Auckland.
You must not:
- consume any marine or fish oil supplements
- have any known food allergies or intolerance to seafood or fish oil products
- be dieting nor have any dietary restrictions or dietary disorders
- be on medications that may affect fat metabolism
We will measure your BMI, body composition, blood pressure, blood glucose, HbA1c (haemoglobin A1c) and lipid profile when you come for your screening. These measurements will be provided to you at no cost during your screening visit.
Incentives for participation
As a koha (gift), you will receive a $10 supermarket voucher for your screening visit, which normally takes an hour. Upon successful screening and enrolment in the study, you will receive a $100 supermarket voucher per study visit. There are 4 study visits in total. Each study visit takes approximately 6.5 hours to complete. You are welcome to bring your own work or entertainment during each study visit where you remain at the research facility.
Register your interest
To register your interest in participating in the Fish Oil Study, complete the study's registration form.