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How does fish oil stop your blood boiling?
A clinical study by a team of academics and Honours students at the University of the Sunshine Coast aims to find the link between fish oil and blood pressure.
The eight-strong team is led by USC’s Senior Lecturer in Biochemical Pharmacology Dr Fraser Russell, who has researched heart health at universities in Melbourne, Cambridge, New Zealand and Brisbane.
“International trials have shown that fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids can produce cardio-protective effects such as reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke,” Dr Russell said.
“Evidence suggests most Australian adults are not taking enough fish oil to get such health benefits.”
He said the USC study aimed to find out why fish oil could lower patients’ blood pressure – and how much was required to achieve such benefits.
“Our hypothesis is that omega-3 improves blood vessel function in patients with high blood pressure.”
More participants are needed for the 18-week study already underway.
“Our test subjects are taking four capsules per day, which is equivalent to two meals per day of Atlantic salmon or trout. We’re recruiting more people interested in their health, whether or not they have high blood pressure,” Dr Russell said.
USC graduate Leigh White of Wurtulla said it was the perfect project for his Bachelor of Science Honours studies this year.
“I’m really interested in cardiovascular health and pharmacology,” he said. “They were my best subjects in my degree and I knew Dr Russell and Dr Chris Askew were really good supervisors.”
The former Caloundra Christian College student, who hopes to work in medicine or rehabilitation, said he enjoyed the one-on-one attention and smaller class sizes at USC.
“And now I’m getting very practical experience. I conduct lab tests such as a mild exercise test, and the cold water hand-immersion test, to see if omega-3 fatty acids have an effect on the vascular responsiveness,” Leigh said.
“The best part is the patient interaction – meeting people and knowing you’re helping them.”
Dr Russell said the study was funded by a USC research grant. Interested participants are encouraged to contact him on 5459 4665.
– Julie Gatehouse