What dosage of fish oil is needed for a healthy heart?
10 Mar 2008 | Bernie Goldie
A groundbreaking clinical trial is about to start at the University of Wollongong that promises to reveal the amount of fish oil young women need to consume to maintain a healthy heart.
It is believed to be the first study of its kind in the world targeting women in the pre-menopausal age group of 18-40 years.
PhD researcher from UOW’s School of Health Sciences and Smart Foods Centre, Cassandra Sparkes, said previous studies have looked at the benefits of fish oils containing Omega 3 fats in males and the elderly but not for pre-menopausal women.
My aim is to discover if fish oil is good for young women’s hearts and, if so, to provide them with information as to what dosage they needed.
She said women taking part in the trial would learn if they were in a ‘good, ‘safe’ or ‘poor’ risk category in regard to their heart condition and therefore what amount of Omega 3 fats they needed to consume to help put their heart back on the right track.
About 200 women are being sought to take part in the clinical trial. If eligible to participate, it involves coming twice to the University at the start of the trial (which begins this month) and twice again at the end of the trial. Blood samples are taken and those participating will be required to take capsules for eight weeks (fish oil and/or vegetable oil).
Ms Sparkes urged women to take part in this special trial which will help provide invaluable information as to how they can maintain a healthy heart.
The clinical trial is being conducted under the supervision of Associate Professor Barbara Meyer from the School of Health Sciences and Smart Foods Centre.
Media please note: Participants wishing to take part in this trial should contact 4221 4504.
For further information contact Cassandra Sparkes on 0421 908 841.
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