Effect of mussel salts and mussel oil on plasma fatty acid levels in healthy adults
About the study
Previous research suggests that powder (salt) form of marine oils may be more bioavailable and therefore raise blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids better than regular oil supplements. This has not been explored in a clinical trial, comparing both forms. This project aims to compare the mussel oil with mussel powder (salts) on blood levels of fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, after being consumed over a day.
Participants will attend the clinical trials facility at City East Campus, for 2 days separated by 2 weeks. Each visit will last around 8-9 hours.
Participants will:
- Have their height, weight and blood pressure measured
- Have a cannula inserted in their arm once on each visit to provide 9 blood samples over the day
- Consume the supplement beverage
- Receive breakfast, lunch, snacks and a meal to take home
- Have access to the clinical trials lounge (lounges, TV, magazines, Wifi etc).
- Receive $200 visa card at the end of each visit
- Receive a copy of their blood pressure and blood results
Eligibility requirements
Outline all the eligibility requirements for your study, including but not limited to:
- Are aged 18–70 years at screening
- Are able and willing to provide written informed consent
- Are in good general health, as determined by a medical history review
- Body mass index between 20-35kg/m2
- Fluent in written and spoken English
- Have access to a General Practitioner (GP) in Australia during the study period
- Are able and willing to comply with all study requirements, including:
- Fasting overnight prior to the clinic visit
- Completing clinical assessments
- Providing blood samples
- Consuming the study supplement as directed
Exclusion criteria: You will not be eligible if you:
- have any chronic medical condition (e.g. CVD, diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol) or cancer within the last 2 years
- not taking blood pressure or cholesterol or related heart medications
- have gastrointestinal problems
- have an allergy to fish or shellfish or marine products
- are a smoker
- are pregnant or lactating
- have high consumption of any omega-3 fatty acid or other lipid supplements
- are participating in any other clinical trial or dietary intervention within 90 days prior to screening or during the study period
- have donated blood within 7 days prior to screening, or unwillingness to abstain from blood donation for at least 7 days after the clinic visit
- have any other condition or circumstance that, in the opinion of the investigator, may make the participant unsafe for the study
Recruitment timeline
Start of recruitment: June 2026
End of recruitment: August 2026
Benefits
Participants will:
- be provided with breakfast, lunch, snacks and a meal to take home after each visit.
- receive $200 visa card at the end of each visit.
- receive a copy of their blood pressure and blood results.
