Omega-3 fatty acids intake and omega-3 index in outcomes of stroke
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Impact of omega-3 fatty acids dietary intake and omega-3 index on clinical outcomes in patients with stroke
IRAS ID
241838
Contact name
Mary Joan Macleod
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
researchregistry4006, Research Registry
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 3 days
Research summary
Stroke remains the main cause of adult long-term disability in the UK, with a cost of around £9 billion a year. High long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake has been associated with reduced mortality from ischaemic heart disease and, potentially, stroke. Low blood levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been associated with more severe strokes. However, these studies did not assess the dietary intake of omega-3 PUFAs prior to stroke and did not measure the omega-3 index (proportion of omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cells), which is considered to correlate better with long-term fatty acids intake. This study aims to determine whether the omega-3 index is associated with severity and functional recovery for both haemorrhagic and ischaemic strokes. In addition, we will ascertain the relationship between the omega-3 index and dietary intake and sources (food or supplements) prior to stroke, and explore whether circulating fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) could represent a useful predictor for stroke severity and recovery. In order to do this, we will recruit patients (n=100) admitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with acute stroke and able to give consent, over a period of 16 months. Information on stroke type, subtype and severity as well as omega-3 index and circulating FABP4 levels will be obtained as soon as possible after the event and recovery will be assessed at one and three months after stroke onset. Information on dietary intake of omega-3 prior to stroke will be collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). This study will not interfere with standard medical care provided to participants.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
18/NS/0060
Date of REC Opinion
11 May 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion