RecruitingInterventional

Effect of fish and omega 3 supplements on the heart health of young adults

This study aims to discover if eating fish or taking omega-3 supplements can improve heart health in young adults. Heart disease is a major health concern, and omega-3 fats, found in fish, are known to help protect the heart. The study will measure omega-3 levels and blood vessel health in healthy adults aged 18-30 who don't eat much fish. Participants will be split into three groups: one eating fish meals, one taking omega-3 supplements, and another taking dummy pills. The goal is to see which approach, if any, helps reach healthier omega-3 levels in the body.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Ulster

Enrolment target

117

Start

02 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

21 Sep 2026

Cardiovascular disease prevention

What is this study about?

Heart disease is a very common problem, but we know that many cases could actually be prevented. Omega-3 fats, which are found in oily fish, are thought to be good for your heart because they help reduce inflammation. Scientists have a way to measure the level of omega-3 in your body, called the omega-3 index. Studies suggest that if your omega-3 index is above 8%, your risk of heart disease is much lower. However, most people in the UK have levels that are quite a bit lower.

Currently, it's not fully clear if the advice we get about eating fish is enough to help people reach these healthier omega-3 levels. This study wants to find out if either eating more fish regularly or taking omega-3 supplements can boost omega-3 levels and improve the health of blood vessels in young adults. This is important because understanding how to reach healthier omega-3 levels early in life could have a big impact on preventing heart disease in the future.

By taking part, you could contribute to important research that helps us understand the best ways to keep our hearts healthy. This information could then be used to give better advice to people across the UK about diet and supplements for heart health.

Key takeaways

The study investigates if fish or omega-3 supplements improve heart health in young adults.
It aims to increase body omega-3 levels, which are linked to lower heart disease risk.
Participants will be healthy young adults (18-30) who don't eat much fish.
You'll be in one of three groups: eating fish, taking omega-3 supplements, or taking dummy pills.
The study involves visits to Ulster University for fish meals (if in that group) and blood tests over 12 weeks.
Your involvement could help future advice on diet and heart health.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy men and women between the ages of 18 and 30. You can take part if you don’t eat much fish (less than two portions a month) and are not currently taking any fish oil or protein supplements. Your body mass index (BMI) should be between 18 and 30, which is generally considered a healthy weight range.

You also need to have a specific level of omega-3 in your body, which the study team will check with a blood test. If you are allergic to seafood, pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, you won't be able to join. Also, if you regularly eat fish or already take fish oil supplements, you won't be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 30 years old?
Are you generally healthy, without conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?
Do you eat fish less than twice a month?
Are you not currently taking fish oil or protein supplements?
Are you not allergic to seafood?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll first have a blood test to check your omega-3 levels and general health. If you're suitable, you will then be randomly placed into one of three groups. One group will eat fish meals, another will take omega-3 supplements, and the third group will take dummy tablets (placebo).

If you're in the fish group, you'll visit Ulster University in Coleraine twice a week for 12 weeks to eat two fish-based lunches. The total amount of fish you'd eat each week would be about 280 grams. Throughout the 12 weeks, the study team will take blood samples to monitor your omega-3 levels and assess how your blood vessels are doing. The total duration of your active participation in the study will be 12 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially improve your omega-3 levels and contribute to better heart health in the long run. The risks involved are generally very small. You might feel a little discomfort from having blood samples taken, which is common. If you're in the group eating fish, there’s a slight risk of general reactions linked to seafood, but the study team will check beforehand if you have any allergies. Remember, you are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE) Ulster University Coleraine
City only
Coleraine, Northern Ireland

Common questions

What are omega-3 fats?

Omega-3 fats are healthy fats found in foods like fish, which are thought to be good for your heart.

What is an omega-3 index?

It's a way to measure the amount of omega-3 fats in your body, which can show how much protection you have against heart disease.

Will I know if I'm getting fish, real supplements, or dummy pills?

No, you won't know which group you are in. This helps make the study results fair and accurate.

How long will I need to be in the study?

Your active participation in the study will last for 12 weeks.

Do I have to pay to take part?

No, all aspects of your participation in the study are free of charge.

How to find out more

Emeir McSorley

Em.mcsorley@ulster.ac.uk +44 2870123543 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.