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

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

Status

Completed

Phases

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT01075919

Enrollment

159

Registered

2010-02-25

Start date

2007-12-31

Completion date

2008-12-31

Last updated

2010-02-25

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Cognitive Function, Mood

Keywords

n-3 PUFAs, Cognitive function, Healthy young adults, Fish oil, Mood

Brief summary

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.

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTn-3 PUFAs

1 g DHA-rich fish oil taken daily for 12 weeks

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTPlacebo

1 g olive oil taken daily for 12 weeks

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

18 Years to 35 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

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

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Cognitive performance	12 weeks	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.

Secondary

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

Countries

United Kingdom

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026