CClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT02610270O3SportUpdated Nov 20, 2015

Erythrocyte Omega-3 Fatty Acid Content in Elite Athletes

An Early Phase 1 interventional study of 2 Gums and 3 Gums in Healthy, sponsored by Centre d'Alt Rendiment. Completed. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2015-11-20.

Sponsored by Centre d'Alt Rendiment · Early Phase 1, Interventional, and Basic science

Phase
Early Phase 1
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
24
Allocation
Randomized
Sex
All
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Study summary

A suitable concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in relation to omega 6 is considered necessary for a good cell function and prevention of various inflammatory processes. Diet and supplementation are the fundamental procedures to achieve the reference values for several years. Athletes are individuals under physical stress and higher tissue restoration, while maintaining adequate diets they show, as the rest of humans, lower than desired levels. In the present study the investigators aims to determine the modification of those levels by the administration of two different doses of a given product, keeping the same model of diet and physical and competition.

Read the detailed description

The study aims to assess concentrations of the different fatty acids in the erythrocyte membrane before and after administration of a compound with high quality omega3 (EPA and DHA) in two different doses, compared with control group . The period of evaluation and management is four months, one month for the proposed renewal of red blood cells. The composition of the diet, the sports calendar, caloric expenditure and level of training is determined. During the study process it is excluded subjects with injuries or disease processes and ensure that no one take any supplement or modify workouts or diet.

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Conditions studied

  • Healthy

Keywords

  • Sport
  • fatty acid
  • omega 3
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In context

Lead sponsor

Centre d'Alt Rendiment is the lead sponsor of 3 studies on the registry; none are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

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Who can participate

Ages eligible
Child (0–17), Adult (18–64), Older adult (65+)
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

  • Healthy, young men and women athletes from the Olympic Training Center (OTC) of Sant Cugat del Valles in Barcelona (Spain) (20 to 45 years of age) belonging to different summer sport activities were asked to participate.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Any type of inflammatory process, or the use of anti-inflammatory medications, consumption of n-3 Fatty Acids (FA) supplements and n-3 FA-supplemented foods in the past 3 months; planning to change dietary habits, or training schedule.
  • During the study, any subject that falls under injury or need nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug or get sick by inflammatory or infectious disease.
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Study design

Phase
Early Phase 1
Primary purpose
Basic science
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
24 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    2 Gums

    Athletes that continued their usual training and diet, who took 2 gums of omega 3 (DHA 760 mg) during the experimental period.

    Dietary Supplement: 2 Gums

  • Experimental
    3 Gums

    Athletes that continued their usual training and diet, who took 3 gums of omega 3 (DHA 1140 mg) during the experimental period.

    Dietary Supplement: 3 Gums

  • No intervention
    Control

    Athletes and coaches that continued their usual training and diet, but did not take any supplements during the experimental period.

Interventions

  • Dietary supplement2 Gums

    760 mg DHA

  • Dietary supplement3 Gums

    1140 mg DHA

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What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. fatty acid levels at the membrane of the red blood cells

    Evaluation will be obtained before and after the experimental period

    Time frame: Four months

Secondary outcomes

  1. Impregnation in relation to dosage administrated to the athletes

    Evaluate the impregnation level of the membrane of red blood cells, taken into account the two dosages in relation of the subjects characteristics, sex (M,F), omega3 index (EPA/DHA%), weight (kg), age(years), etc. looking for a relationships of better or worse impregnation depending on sex, body weight, body mass index, previous level of omega3, etc.

    Time frame: Four months

  2. Different level of impregnation of the red blood cells in relation to dosage and weight of the athletes

    Evaluate the impregnation level of the membrane of red blood cells, taken into account the two dosages in relation of the subjects characteristics, weight (kg).

    Time frame: Four months

  3. Different level of impregnation of the red blood cells in relation to dosage and different previous omega 3 index of the athletes

    Evaluate the impregnation level of the membrane of red blood cells, taken into account the two dosages in relation of the subjects characteristic of previous level of omega3 index (EPA/DHA%)

    Time frame: Four months

  4. Different level of impregnation of the red blood cells in relation to dosage and different sex of the athletes

    Evaluate the impregnation level of the membrane of red blood cells, taken into account the two dosages in relation of the sex (M,F) of the subjects

    Time frame: Four months

  5. Different level of impregnation of the red blood cells in relation to dosage and different age of the athletes

    Evaluate the impregnation level of the membrane of red blood cells, taken into account the two dosages in relation of the age(years) of the subjects etc.

    Time frame: Four months

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Study locations

No study locations are listed for this record.

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References and documents

Publications

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  • Michael-Titus AT, Priestley JV. Omega-3 fatty acids and traumatic neurological injury: from neuroprotection to neuroplasticity? Trends Neurosci. 2014 Jan;37(1):30-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2013.10.005. Epub 2013 Nov 22. PubMed 24268818 ↗
  • Yates CM, Calder PC, Ed Rainger G. Pharmacology and therapeutics of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in chronic inflammatory disease. Pharmacol Ther. 2014 Mar;141(3):272-82. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.10.010. Epub 2013 Nov 4. PubMed 24201219 ↗
  • Mickleborough TD. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in physical performance optimization. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2013 Feb;23(1):83-96. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.23.1.83. PubMed 23400626 ↗
  • Bloomer RJ, Larson DE, Fisher-Wellman KH, Galpin AJ, Schilling BK. Effect of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid on resting and exercise-induced inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers: a randomized, placebo controlled, cross-over study. Lipids Health Dis. 2009 Aug 19;8:36. doi: 10.1186/1476-511X-8-36. PubMed 19691834 ↗
  • Lewis EJ, Radonic PW, Wolever TM, Wells GD. 21 days of mammalian omega-3 fatty acid supplementation improves aspects of neuromuscular function and performance in male athletes compared to olive oil placebo. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Jun 18;12:28. doi: 10.1186/s12970-015-0089-4. eCollection 2015. PubMed 26085822 ↗
  • Bailes JE, Patel V. The potential for DHA to mitigate mild traumatic brain injury. Mil Med. 2014 Nov;179(11 Suppl):112-6. doi: 10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00139. PubMed 25373094 ↗
  • Hasadsri L, Wang BH, Lee JV, Erdman JW, Llano DA, Barbey AK, Wszalek T, Sharrock MF, Wang HJ. Omega-3 fatty acids as a putative treatment for traumatic brain injury. J Neurotrauma. 2013 Jun 1;30(11):897-906. doi: 10.1089/neu.2012.2672. Epub 2013 Jun 5. PubMed 23363551 ↗
  • Di Girolamo FG, Situlin R, Mazzucco S, Valentini R, Toigo G, Biolo G. Omega-3 fatty acids and protein metabolism: enhancement of anabolic interventions for sarcopenia. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2014 Mar;17(2):145-50. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000032. PubMed 24500439 ↗
  • Skulas-Ray AC. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammation: a perspective on the challenges of evaluating efficacy in clinical research. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat. 2015 Jan-Mar;116-117:104-11. doi: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2015.02.001. Epub 2015 Feb 16. PubMed 25698680 ↗
  • Harris WS, Von Schacky C. The Omega-3 Index: a new risk factor for death from coronary heart disease? Prev Med. 2004 Jul;39(1):212-20. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2004.02.030. PubMed 15208005 ↗
  • Enns JE, Yeganeh A, Zarychanski R, Abou-Setta AM, Friesen C, Zahradka P, Taylor CG. The impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on the incidence of cardiovascular events and complications in peripheral arterial disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2014 May 31;14:70. doi: 10.1186/1471-2261-14-70. PubMed 24885361 ↗
  • von Schacky C, Kemper M, Haslbauer R, Halle M. Low Omega-3 Index in 106 German elite winter endurance athletes: a pilot study. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2014 Oct;24(5):559-64. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2014-0041. Epub 2014 Sep 8. PubMed 25203220 ↗
  • Delodder F, Tappy L, Liaudet L, Schneiter P, Perrudet C, Berger MM. Incorporation and washout of n-3 PUFA after high dose intravenous and oral supplementation in healthy volunteers. Clin Nutr. 2015 Jun;34(3):400-8. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2014.07.005. Epub 2014 Jul 15. PubMed 25066733 ↗
  • Flock MR, Skulas-Ray AC, Harris WS, Etherton TD, Fleming JA, Kris-Etherton PM. Determinants of erythrocyte omega-3 fatty acid content in response to fish oil supplementation: a dose-response randomized controlled trial. J Am Heart Assoc. 2013 Nov 19;2(6):e000513. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.113.000513. PubMed 24252845 ↗
  • Walker CG, Browning LM, Mander AP, Madden J, West AL, Calder PC, Jebb SA. Age and sex differences in the incorporation of EPA and DHA into plasma fractions, cells and adipose tissue in humans. Br J Nutr. 2014 Feb;111(4):679-89. doi: 10.1017/S0007114513002985. Epub 2013 Sep 24. PubMed 24063767 ↗
  • Welch RW, Antoine JM, Berta JL, Bub A, de Vries J, Guarner F, Hasselwander O, Hendriks H, Jakel M, Koletzko BV, Patterson CC, Richelle M, Skarp M, Theis S, Vidry S, Woodside JV; International Life Sciences Institute Europe Functional Foods Task Force. Guidelines for the design, conduct and reporting of human intervention studies to evaluate the health benefits of foods. Br J Nutr. 2011 Nov;106 Suppl 2:S3-15. doi: 10.1017/S0007114511003606. PubMed 22129662 ↗
  • Katan MB, Deslypere JP, van Birgelen AP, Penders M, Zegwaard M. Kinetics of the incorporation of dietary fatty acids into serum cholesteryl esters, erythrocyte membranes, and adipose tissue: an 18-month controlled study. J Lipid Res. 1997 Oct;38(10):2012-22. PubMed 9374124 ↗
  • Harris WS, Mozaffarian D, Lefevre M, Toner CD, Colombo J, Cunnane SC, Holden JM, Klurfeld DM, Morris MC, Whelan J. Towards establishing dietary reference intakes for eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. J Nutr. 2009 Apr;139(4):804S-19S. doi: 10.3945/jn.108.101329. Epub 2009 Feb 25. PubMed 19244379 ↗
  • Aranceta J, Perez-Rodrigo C. Recommended dietary reference intakes, nutritional goals and dietary guidelines for fat and fatty acids: a systematic review. Br J Nutr. 2012 Jun;107 Suppl 2:S8-22. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512001444. PubMed 22591906 ↗
  • Gomez Candela C, Bermejo Lopez LM, Loria Kohen V. Importance of a balanced omega 6/omega 3 ratio for the maintenance of health: nutritional recommendations. Nutr Hosp. 2011 Mar-Apr;26(2):323-9. doi: 10.1590/S0212-16112011000200013. PubMed 21666970 ↗
  • Skulas-Ray AC, Kris-Etherton PM, Harris WS, Vanden Heuvel JP, Wagner PR, West SG. Dose-response effects of omega-3 fatty acids on triglycerides, inflammation, and endothelial function in healthy persons with moderate hypertriglyceridemia. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Feb;93(2):243-52. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.110.003871. Epub 2010 Dec 15. PubMed 21159789 ↗
  • Browning LM, Walker CG, Mander AP, West AL, Madden J, Gambell JM, Young S, Wang L, Jebb SA, Calder PC. Incorporation of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids into lipid pools when given as supplements providing doses equivalent to typical intakes of oily fish. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Oct;96(4):748-58. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.112.041343. Epub 2012 Aug 29. PubMed 22932281 ↗
  • Tartibian B, Maleki BH, Abbasi A. The effects of omega-3 supplementation on pulmonary function of young wrestlers during intensive training. J Sci Med Sport. 2010 Mar;13(2):281-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2008.12.634. Epub 2009 Jun 12. PubMed 19523875 ↗
  • Arterburn LM, Hall EB, Oken H. Distribution, interconversion, and dose response of n-3 fatty acids in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jun;83(6 Suppl):1467S-1476S. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/83.6.1467S. PubMed 16841856 ↗
  • Drobnic F, CordobillaB, Rueda F, Domingo JC. Caracterización de diferentes suplementos de ácidos omega-3 en su aplicación en las edades pediátricas Acta Pediatr Esp. 2013; 71(11): e353-e357
  • Cao J, Schwichtenberg KA, Hanson NQ, Tsai MY. Incorporation and clearance of omega-3 fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes and plasma phospholipids. Clin Chem. 2006 Dec;52(12):2265-72. doi: 10.1373/clinchem.2006.072322. Epub 2006 Oct 19. PubMed 17053155 ↗
  • Flock MR, Harris WS, Kris-Etherton PM. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids: time to establish a dietary reference intake. Nutr Rev. 2013 Oct;71(10):692-707. doi: 10.1111/nure.12071. Epub 2013 Oct 3. PubMed 24117792 ↗
  • Estruch R, Ros E, Salas-Salvado J, Covas MI, Corella D, Aros F, Gomez-Gracia E, Ruiz-Gutierrez V, Fiol M, Lapetra J, Lamuela-Raventos RM, Serra-Majem L, Pinto X, Basora J, Munoz MA, Sorli JV, Martinez JA, Martinez-Gonzalez MA; PREDIMED Study Investigators. Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease with a Mediterranean diet. N Engl J Med. 2013 Apr 4;368(14):1279-90. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1200303. Epub 2013 Feb 25. Erratum In: N Engl J Med. 2014 Feb 27;370(9):886. PubMed 23432189 ↗
  • Lemaitre RN, Tanaka T, Tang W, Manichaikul A, Foy M, Kabagambe EK, Nettleton JA, King IB, Weng LC, Bhattacharya S, Bandinelli S, Bis JC, Rich SS, Jacobs DR Jr, Cherubini A, McKnight B, Liang S, Gu X, Rice K, Laurie CC, Lumley T, Browning BL, Psaty BM, Chen YD, Friedlander Y, Djousse L, Wu JH, Siscovick DS, Uitterlinden AG, Arnett DK, Ferrucci L, Fornage M, Tsai MY, Mozaffarian D, Steffen LM. Genetic loci associated with plasma phospholipid n-3 fatty acids: a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies from the CHARGE Consortium. PLoS Genet. 2011 Jul;7(7):e1002193. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002193. Epub 2011 Jul 28. PubMed 21829377 ↗
  • Drobnic F, Rueda F, Pons V, Banquells M, Cordobilla B, Domingo JC. Erythrocyte Omega-3 Fatty Acid Content in Elite Athletes in Response to Omega-3 Supplementation: A Dose-Response Pilot Study. J Lipids. 2017;2017:1472719. doi: 10.1155/2017/1472719. Epub 2017 Jun 1. PubMed 28656110 ↗
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Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Nov 20, 2015, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT02610270
Lead sponsor
Centre d'Alt Rendiment
Responsible party
FRANCISCO DROBNIC, MD, PhD (MD PhD, Centre d'Alt Rendiment) — Principal investigator
First posted
Nov 20, 2015
Start date
Jun 2014
Primary completion
Jan 2015
Completion
Apr 2015
Last update
Nov 20, 2015

Study contacts

Franchek Drobnic, MD PhD
principal investigator · Olympic Training Center, Centre d'Alt Rendiment CAR

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
Yes
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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This study is completed, as verified in Nov 2015. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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