Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to provide a number of cardiometabolic benefits in both healthy and at risk populations. Specifically, the daily consumption of fish oil supplements has been reported to reduce blood triglyceride levels, and influence glucose homeostasis and whole-body inflammation. Furthermore, a number of cardiovascular effects (i.e. reduced blood pressure, reduced coagulation) have been found to result from omega-3 consumption, as well as influencing energy expenditure (i.e. resting metabolic rate). The goal of this study is to examine the cardiometabolic and cardiovascular effects that result from long-term consumption of omega-3 fatty acids.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are major contributors to healthcare costs in Canada. A cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and abdominal obesity increases the risk of developing the aforementioned diseases. While drugs can help to treat or slow the development of cardiometabolic problems, they are not always effective and in some instances can have adverse effects on a patient's health. In comparison, changing, modifying or improving dietary habits is now recognized as a safe and effective way to help reduce the risk of developing CVD, as well as treat CVD and T2D. The consumption of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) is highly recommended due to their known benefits for health and development; however, considerable variability exists in the literature regarding the benefits of omega-3 FAs. This variability stems from differences in study design; differing in dosage, duration of supplementation, population studied, sample size, as well as the amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) used in supplements. The current study will investigate the effects of EPA and DHA on markers of cardiometabolic and cardiovascular health in young adults. To assess the effectiveness of EPA and DHA on markers of cardiometabolic health, including 1. blood lipids, such as triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels 2. markers of inflammation, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and other circulating cytokines 3. whole-body glucose and insulin levels 4. resting metabolic rate 5. blood pressure and muscle sympathetic nerve activity
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
90
Each participant was instructed to consume the dietary supplement on a daily basis for 12 weeks.
Each participant was instructed to consume assigned dietary supplement on a daily basis for 12 weeks.
Each participant was instructed to consume assigned dietary supplement on a daily basis for 12 weeks.
Omega-3 Index
Omega-3 Index, as determined by measuring omega-3 fats in red blood cells using gas chromatography
Time frame: CHANGE from Baseline at 12 weeks
Triglycerides
Fasted serum triglycerides (mmol/L)
Time frame: CHANGE from Baseline at 12 weeks
High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
Blood hs-CRP levels
Time frame: CHANGE from Baseline at 12 weeks
Energy Expenditure
Resting Metabolic Rate
Time frame: CHANGE from Baseline at 12 weeks
Blood Pressure
Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure will be assessed
Time frame: CHANGE from Baseline at 12 weeks
Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA)
Fibular nerve microneurography
Time frame: Change from Baseline at 12 weeks
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