Fish or pills? study tests best way to boost young hearts
NCT ID NCT06729229
First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at whether eating two portions of fish per week or taking omega-3 supplements can improve blood vessel health and raise omega-3 levels in young adults aged 18 to 30. Participants with low omega-3 levels and little fish intake will be assigned to one of four groups: fish plus placebo, fish plus omega-3 supplement, omega-3 supplement alone, or placebo alone. The goal is to see if these simple changes can help prevent future heart disease.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- fish and omega-3 supplements
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this could show that simple dietary changes or supplements help young adults reach heart-healthy omega-3 levels, potentially reducing future cardiovascular risk.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with 40 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It tests short-term effects, not long-term disease prevention.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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40 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2024
- Finished
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Jul 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 30 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Omega 3 index \<6% Healthy males or females. * Aged 18-30 years old. * Low consumers of fish (\<2 portions/month). * Willing to 2 portions (280 grams) of fish per week. * Not consuming fish oil supplements. * Not consuming protein supplements. * Within a BMI of 18-30kg/m2 * Not allergic to seafood Exclusion Criteria: * Omega 3 index \>6% * Regularly consume fish. * Are allergic to seafood. * Are taking fish oil supplements (for example fish oil, cod oil, krill oil, GLA or evening primrose) or are taking protein supplements (for example whey protein). * Are pregnant/lactating. * Have existing health conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus and known hypertension. * Dietary restrictions resulting in the exclusion of fish such as vegan.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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NICHE, School of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Coleraine Campus, University of Ulster
Coleraine, Co Londonderry, BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
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