Data are also emerging connecting omega-3 fish oils with cognitive function and mental health status [12-16]. Population studies and preliminary clinical data demon- strate that omega-3 fatty acids may help elevate mood in depressed subjects [13,14]. In particular, high-EPA inter- ventions and higher plasma EPA may be associated with improved clinical outcomes [17], although more research is needed in the application of EPA and fish oil in cogni- tive and mental health.
Despite the clear need for more controlled studies in specific populations and targeting specific clinical out- comes, increasing blood EPA and DHA levels appears to have a generally positive impact on health, and aware- ness among the general population is high [18]. Because of this, the use of fish oil supplements has increased dramatically over the past decade, reaching sales of
$1.145 billion in 2011 and continuing to grow [19]. The
American Heart Association recommends an intake of
1 g/d of combined EPA and DHA from food or supple- ments for secondary prevention [20], and concentrated formulations of EPA and DHA are now available as both dietary supplements and medications.
The aims of the present study were to investigate the utilization of a new web-based program known as a vir- tual clinical research organization (CRO) and to assess the effects of a high potency fish oil on omega-3 status, as well as mental and physical health scores, in healthy adults who regularly consume an omega-3 supplement. To our knowledge, this represents the first such use of a virtual CRO to assess the impact of a nutritional inter- vention on a quantifiable biomarker of health in the general population.