Effects of fish oil on brown fat activation during cold exposure

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Modulation of Brown Adipose Tissue for Arctic Resilience

NA · Indiana University · NCT05822141

This study is testing if taking fish oil can help healthy young adults better activate their brown fat and stay warm when exposed to cold temperatures.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorIndiana University (other)
Locations1 site (Bloomington, Indiana)
Trial IDNCT05822141 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates whether fish oil supplementation can enhance the activation of brown adipose tissue and improve thermoregulation during cold exposure. It is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 30 healthy participants aged 18-40, who will receive either fish oil or a placebo for 12 weeks. The study will assess various thermoregulatory responses, including core body temperature, shivering, and skin blood flow, through a controlled cold exposure protocol. This innovative approach aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how fish oil may influence the body's response to cold environments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy men and women aged 18-40 with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 who are moderately to highly active.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, or those taking certain medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new dietary recommendations for improving thermal comfort and metabolic health during cold exposure.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using fish oil for brown fat activation during cold exposure is novel, related studies on dietary fats and thermoregulation have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female, between the ages of 18 to 40 years.
* Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2
* Considered "moderately to highly active" by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+)

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of smoking or recreational smoking, hyperlipidemia, hypertension/cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal disease, neurological disease, metabolic disease, and bleeding disorders or delayed clotting time.
* Taking SSRI's (antidepressants and anxiety medication), ADD/ADHD medication, and chronically consume pain medication (Aleve, Tylenol, CBD, etc).
* Have or have had chronic disorders of the rectum (e.g., cancer, surgery, active hemorrhoids, etc.) or who currently have related acute conditions (diarrhea, constipation, etc.).
* Have or have had a diagnosis of disorders related to immune suppression and/or autoimmune disease.
* Are pregnant or planning on being pregnant.
* Resting blood pressure of \> 130mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic.
* Resting Pulse rate of \> 100 bpm.
* History of regularly consuming fish oil supplements and/or regularly eating more than one fish meal per week.
* Consuming more than one fish meal per week during the study.

Where this trial is running

Bloomington, Indiana

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cold Exposure, Brown fat, Fish oil, Cold

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.