Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Brain Health in Soccer Players
Mechanistic Investigation of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Pretreatment Effects on Subconcussive Brain Injury
This study is testing if omega-3 fatty acids can help protect the brains of young soccer players who have had minor head impacts.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 208 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bloomington, Indiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT06736925 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial aims to investigate the impact of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA, on brain health in adult soccer players aged 18-30 who experience subconcussive head impacts. Participants will receive either omega-3 supplementation or a placebo while undergoing assessments including questionnaires, blood draws, brain imaging, and heart function tests. The study also includes a sub-cohort of participants diagnosed with ADHD for exploratory analyses. The goal is to determine how omega-3 supplementation may enhance neural resilience against repetitive head impacts.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult soccer players aged 18-30 with at least 5 years of heading experience.
Not a fit: Patients with recent head or neck injuries, certain cardiovascular diseases, or those consuming omega-3 supplements or oily fish may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how omega-3 fatty acids can protect brain health in athletes exposed to repetitive head impacts.
How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on brain health, this specific approach focusing on subconcussive impacts in soccer players is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between age 18-30 * Current or former soccer player * At least 5 years of soccer heading experience * Have internet access * Willing to commit to avoid any sport activity that purposefully uses one's head to maneuver during the study period (American football, ice-hockey, rugby, wrestling, and soccer heading). Exclusion Criteria: * Any head or neck injury within 6 months before the study * Implanted metal/magnetic devices (e.g., orthodontic braces * Diagnosed autonomic or cardiovascular diseases (e.g., hypertension) * Consuming oily fish (2 servings or more/month: salmon, bluefin, swordfish, anchovies) * Allergy to fish or shellfish * Consuming omega-3 FA supplements including plant-based (e.g., flaxseed) in the past 3 months. * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Bloomington, Indiana
- Indiana University School of Public Health — Bloomington, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kei Kawata
- Email: kkawata@indiana.edu
- Phone: 812-855-5244
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.