Fish oil not One-Size-Fits-All? gene study hints at personalized heart protection

NCT ID NCT00536185

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: USDA, Western Human Nutrition Research Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether a person's genes (specifically the ALOX5 gene) affect how their body responds to fish oil supplements. Researchers gave 166 healthy African-American adults either fish oil or placebo capsules for 6 weeks. They measured markers of inflammation in the blood to see if people with certain gene variations got more heart-protective benefits from the fish oil.

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 EPA and DHA)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help identify who benefits most from fish oil for heart health, leading to personalized nutrition advice.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study looking at biological markers, not heart attacks or strokes. Results may not translate to clear health recommendations.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HEART DISEASE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

heart disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEART DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Ethnich Health Institute

Oakland, California, 94609, United States
UC Davis (TICON-1)

Sacramento, California, 95820, United States
UC Davis, Western Human Nutrition Research Center

Davis, California, 95616, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.