Effect of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular and Motor Responses Under Stress
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2008-04-11
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This research study is designed to find out if increasing the dietary intake of
polyunsaturated fats improves concentration, motor skills and cardiovascular responses under
stress. These polyunsaturated fats may also change the chemicals in the brain that control
these responses. Specifically, these polyunsaturated fats may raise brain levels of
neurotransmitters called dopamine and serotonin. Polyunsaturated fats are important for
improving the function of both the brain and the heart. People cannot make these
polyunsaturated fats and they can only be obtained from the oils that we eat. For three
months subjects will take 8 capsules a day that contain either corn oils flavored with fish
oils or fish oil that taste a little like corn oils. Subjects will not be told which oils we
expect to work better. An initial evaluation will determine if subjects fit the criteria
necessary to enter the study. A battery of tests will be conducted twice, once before
starting the capsules and again after three months of taking the capsules. These batteries of
tests will include an MRI of the head, paper and pencil tests to evaluate changes in mood,
and tests of concentration and motor skills and cardiovascular responses under stress. Two
lumbar punctures will be performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid so that changes in
neurotransmitters can be evaluated. Subjects will be on a no seafood diet to equalize their
dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Subjects will be expected to complete all
parts of this study.
Phase:
Phase 1
Details
Lead Sponsor:
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)