Heart Smart: UOW calling on volunteers for health study

Aug 31, 2005

Australians are a nation of meat eaters, consuming six times more meat than we do fish.

Fish contains the healthy omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which are good for our health including heart, brain and eye health. Meat also contains these omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, but contains another important fatty acid called DPA (Docosapentaenoic acid).

Currently, little is known about DPA as its potential health effects have not been widely studied. Determined to change this, a team of researchers at the University of Wollongong are currently conducting a study, which will assess the potential cardiovascular health benefits of DPA.

The team is calling on male and post-menopausal female volunteers (45 years and over) to participate in the study that aims to determine the role of DPA in reducing heart disease. Volunteers must be willing to give blood samples and take capsules for six weeks. At the end of the study the volunteers will receive their own blood cholesterol levels.

The team are looking for volunteers with slightly higher blood cholesterol levels for this study, particularly those with slightly elevated triglycerides.

VOLUNTEERS: For further information about the study and criteria details contact Amanda Lane on 4221 3900 or email: amanda_lane@uow.edu.au

MEDIA: Contact Amanda Lane directly on 0434 966 980

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128