Investigating the Effect of 4-week Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Inflammation

Investigating the Effect of 4-week Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Inflammation

Investigate the in vivo effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation on inflammation, gene expression and epigenetic signatures.

Ex vivo stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected pre and post n-3 supplementation and measurement of it's effect on inflammation, gene expression and epigenetic signatures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy males
• Aged between 18 and 30 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Females (Due to differences in cell membrane incorporation of n-3 PUFAs between the sexes and the testing schedule being unable to fit in with menstrual cycle, therefore altering the blood markers that are being measured).
• Aged below 18 or above 30.
• Body mass index (BMI; in kg/ m2), below 18 or above 30.
• Use of vitamin or fish oil supplements in the last 6 months.
• High habitual oily fish consumption (<4 servings per month).
• Smoking.
• Changes in weight in the past 6 months (Dieting) or planning on changing dietary habits.
• Habitual use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Self-reported history of diabetes.
• History of heart disease, coagulation/bleeding disorders, metabolic disease or Serious allergy.
• Known to have blood-borne virus.
• Receipt of inoculations within 2 months of starting the study or the intention to receive such during the study.
• Donation of or intention to donate blood within 8 weeks of the first sample or at any point during the intervention.