Study Comparing Effects of EPA and DHA Fish Oil Supplements on Blood Clotting and Cholesterol in Adults with High Cholesterol

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand how omega-3 fatty acid supplements, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid EPA and docosahexaenoic acid DHA, affect blood lipid profiles and platelet function in people with high cholesterol and related lipid disorders. The study addresses inconsistent results from previous trials and seeks to clarify whether EPA and DHA have different impacts on cardiovascular risk factors. It focuses on adults with atherogenic dyslipidemia who have specific cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Participants will be randomly assigned to take either EPA or DHA supplements for eight weeks. Those in the DHA group will take three gelcaps three times daily with meals, each containing 450 mg DHA and minimal EPA, while participants in the EPA group will take two gelcaps twice daily, each providing 1 gram of EPA. Both groups will also complete a 28-day food and activity log and maintain a low fatty fish intake diet. During the study, participants will visit the clinic three times for checkups, blood collection, and tests measuring various markers of thrombogenesis, including platelet aggregation, clotting factors, and inflammatory markers. The main outcome is the percentage of platelet aggregation over time. Secondary outcomes include levels of activated platelets, urinary thromboxane metabolites, and plasma inflammatory markers. The total participation duration is eight weeks, with ongoing monitoring of safety and adherence.

Differential Thrombogenesis by EPA and DHA Mediated by HDL