Academic Stress and Proinflammatory Cytokines: Omega-3 Intervention

Academic Stress and Proinflammatory Cytokines: Omega-3 Intervention

This study is designed to examine the effects of fish oil on immune function and mood in medical students.

This study will examine how supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (key fish oil components) affects immune and mood responses to examination stress. This study will examine these outcomes in medical students during academic examination periods as well as less stressful non-exam periods. Participants will take fish oil supplements or placebo pills for approximately 3 months during which time relevant mood, endocrine, and immune measures will be assessed.

For detailed information about the study, please visit our website at http://www.stressandhealth.org

Inclusion Criteria:

• OSU preclinical medical or dental student, or graduate nursing student
• male or female

Exclusion Criteria:

• taking certain medications with immune or endocrine effects
• chronic health conditions
• smoking
• excessive use of alcohol or caffeine
• significant digestive problems
• routine use of fish oil or flaxseed supplements or high fish intake
• fish allergy