How two microalgal omega-3 formulations compare to fish oil and placebo for absorption in healthy adults
Official title: A Randomized, Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study in Healthy Subjects to Compare the Bioavailability of EPA + DHA From Two Microalgal Sources to One Fish Source
Run by RDC Clinical Pty Ltd · NCT06629103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether two microalgal omega-3 formulations are absorbed as well as fish oil or a placebo in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | RDC Clinical Pty Ltd Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Brisbane, Queensland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 6, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 2027 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06629103 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy adults aged 18-64, including both men and non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding women, who meet contraception requirements if applicable.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants may not experience any direct benefit from the study beyond contributing to scientific knowledge.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study in healthy adults compares the bioavailability of two microalgal omega-3 formulations to fish oil and to placebo. Participants receive assigned interventions and undergo measurements to assess how well EPA and DHA are absorbed. The trial aims to determine differences in absorption between the algal products, fish oil, and placebo under controlled conditions. It is conducted at RDC Clinical in Brisbane, with healthy men and non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding women aged 18-64. Safety monitoring and informed consent are integral components of the protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could establish whether microalgal omega-3 products offer comparable absorption to fish oil in healthy adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous omega-3 bioavailability studies have shown variable absorption between formulations; this study seeks to clarify performance of specific microalgal products.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Written informed consent obtained before any trial related assessments are performed. 2. 2\. Healthy adult females ages 18-64 who are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding or healthy adult males ages 18-64 at the time of consent. a. Female participants of child-bearing potential (females who are post-menopausal, i.e., when there has been no menstruation for a minimum of 12 months prior to screening, are considered not to be of child-bearing potential), who are not surgically sterilized, must have a negative pregnancy test at screening and be willing to practice one of the following appropriate contraceptive methods until the last visit: i. Sexual abstinence. ii. Oral contraceptives. iii. Trans dermal patches or depot injection of a progestogen drug (starting at least 4 weeks prior to product administration). iv. Intrauterine device (IUD), intrauterine system (IUS), subdermal implant, or vaginal ring (placed at least 4 weeks prior to product administration). Contraceptives must be effective before the randomization visit. 3. Participant's body mass index (BMI) must be between 18 and 30 kg/m2 (inclusive) and considered to be of healthy weight in the opinion of the investigator. 4. Intakes of EPA+DHA of less than 300mg per day based on the FFQ 6\. Agree not to change current diet and exercise frequency or intensity during entire study period Exclusion criteria: 1. Participant has any health conditions that would prevent from fulfilling the study requirements, put the participant at risk or would confound the interpretation of the study results as judged by the Investigator based on medical history and routine laboratory test results. 2. History or presence of clinically significant cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, haematologic, gastrointestinal, endocrine, immunologic, dermatologic, neurologic, oncologic, or psychiatric disease or any other condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would jeopardize the safety of the subject or the validity of the study results. 3. Has a clinically significant abnormal finding on the medical assessment, medical history, vital signs or clinical laboratory results at screening. 4. History or presence of allergic or adverse response to omega-3-acid ethyl esters or triglycerides (EPA or DHA), or related drugs, or sensitivity or allergy to fish or shellfish, or soybean or corn. 5. History of coagulation disorder or current anticoagulation therapy. 6. Has been on a significantly abnormal\* diet, as deemed by the investigator, during the 4 weeks preceding the first dose of study medication. \*an abnormal diet will be considered if the participant has elected to change to a more or less restricted diet of any description (e.g., change to or from a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, etc.) or significantly increases or decreases their daily caloric intake. 7. Has participated in another clinical trial (randomised participants only) within 30 days prior to the first dose of study medication. 8. Has used prescription medication (excluding oral contraceptive and hormonal replacement therapy) within 4 weeks of screening or OTC medication within 7 days before the first dose that may affect omega-3 absorption or any study outcomes. This may include but is not limited to: high-dose NSAIDs, bile acid sequestrants, statins, GLP-1 receptor agonists, anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory drugs. Occasional ibuprofen, paracetamol and low-dose aspirin use is permitted. 9. Regular use\* of omega-3 supplements and/or regular fatty fish consumption within 2 months. \*Regular use is defined as more than once per week of either fish oil, krill oil, microalgal oil supplements, or fatty fish. 10. Has smoked or used tobacco products within 60 days prior to the first dose of study medication. 11. History of substance abuse or treatment (including more than 14 alcoholic drinks per week) within the past 2 years based on the judgement of the investigator. 12. Has a positive urine screen for drugs of abuse (amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, cannabinoids, opiates). 13. Has increased bleeding from existing pathological conditions or anticipates surgery (including dental) prior to, throughout, or within 1 week after study participation. 14. Has had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke or is at high risk for recurrent ischemic events.
Where it's running
-
RDC Clinical
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: David Briskey
- Email: david@rdcglobal.com.au
- Phone: +61 (0) 7 3102 4486
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.