Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

The Effect of Algae Oil Supplements on Functional Immune Response and Bioavailability of Lipids in Blood, a Pilot Study

Netherlands12 participantsStarted 2025-09-22

Plain-language summary

In this explorative study we will investigate whether two sustainable oil supplements yield equivalent results to fish oil supplements in terms of postprandial immune response, among elderly adults, after standardization of the quantity of DHA among the oils. Results on the bioavailability of DHA from different oil supplements will help determine whether differences in DHA bioavailability lead to differences in immune function. Additionally, we will investigate postprandial inflammatory markers. The outcomes of this exploratorive study will provide insight into the variation between individuals and potential effect sizes, and will aim to conduct more targeted follow-up studies on the effects of algae oils on immune function.

Who can participate

Age range

50 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Apparently healthy men and women; * Age ≥ 50 years * Body mass index (BMI) ≥18.5 and ≤30 kg/m2; * Having veins suitable for blood sampling via a catheter (judged by study nurse/ medical doctor); * Willing to refrain from fish, fish oil, and products with added omega-3 starting from 2 weeks prior to first postprandial test day. * Willing to keep a stable dietary pattern throughout the study Exclusion Criteria: * Having a disease that may interfere with the outcomes of this study, such as a known metabolic, gastrointestinal, inflammatory or chronic disease (such as anaemia, diabetes, hepatitis, cardiovascular disease), as judged by the medical investigator; * Having a history of medical or surgical events that may significantly affect the study outcome, including: inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis, pancreatitis, ulcers, gastrointestinal or rectal bleeding; major gastrointestinal tract surgery such as gastrectomy, gastroenterostomy, or bowel resection; known or suspected gastrointestinal disorders, colon or GI tract cancer; * Use of medication that may interfere with the study outcomes, including gastric acid inhibitors or laxatives, as judged by the medical supervisor. * Anaemia (Haemoglobin (Hb) values \<7.5 mmol/L for women and \<8.5 mmol/L for men), as assessed by finger prick blood during screening visit; * Having swallowing problems with capsules; * Allergic for fish or shellfish; * Recent blood donation (\<1 month prior to test day 1 of the st…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Functional immune response

Timeframe: Baseline (0 hours)

Functional immune response

Timeframe: 4 hours postprandial

Functional immune response

Timeframe: 8 hours postprandial

Functional immune response

Timeframe: 1 week after exposure to the oil

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07086573

SponsorMaartje van den Belt

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-11-14

Contact for this trial

Maartje van den Belt, MSc

0031618520632 maartje.vandenbelt@wur.nl

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Functional Immune Response trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

50 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.