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

NCT ID NCT00536185

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

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