Fish oil might keep you warmer in the cold, study suggests

NCT ID NCT05822141

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Indiana University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether taking fish oil for 12 weeks can help the body adapt to cold by activating brown fat, which burns energy to produce heat. Thirty healthy adults aged 18-40 will take either fish oil or a placebo and then undergo a cold chamber challenge. Researchers will measure core temperature, shivering, and comfort to see if fish oil makes a difference.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to improve cold tolerance and comfort in cold environments.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study in healthy young adults, so results may not apply to others. The effect of fish oil on cold tolerance is uncertain.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

common cold

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COLD EXPOSURE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Human Perfromance Lab, Indiana University
RECRUITING

Bloomington, Indiana, 47405, United States

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