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Study of Metabolic Absorption Rates of DHA-Taurine as a Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Sponsor: University of Copenhagen
Summary
* Omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have well-established health benefits and are widely used to improve cardiometabolic health. However, conventional DHA supplements require normal digestion and absorption of dietary fat, which may limit their effectiveness in individuals with impaired fat absorption or those consuming very low-fat diets. * This study investigates the absorption of a novel DHA-containing molecule, DHA-taurine (DHA-T), compared with a conventional DHA ethyl ester (DHA-EE) supplement. Preclinical studies suggest that DHA-T may be absorbed through a different mechanism that is less dependent on normal fat digestion and may therefore provide a more effective way of delivering DHA. * The primary objective is to compare plasma DHA concentrations following administration of DHA-T and DHA-EE under fasting conditions without a meal. The study also evaluates plasma DHA-T concentrations to improve understanding of the absorption, transport, and metabolism of DHA-T in humans. * This is a randomized, double-blind, crossover study in seven healthy male volunteers aged 18 to 30 years. Each participant receives both study interventions in random order, separated by an approximately two-week washout period, allowing each participant to serve as his own control. On each study day, participants undergo repeated blood sampling and ultrasound measurements of gallbladder volume over an 8-hour absorption test following administration of the assigned study intervention. * The results of this study will improve understanding of the absorption and metabolism of DHA-T and may support the future development of omega-3 formulations that are effective even when normal fat absorption is impaired.
Official title: Study of Metabolic Absorption Rates of DHA-Taurine as a Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (SMART)
Key Details
Gender
MALE
Age Range
18 Years - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
6
Start Date
2025-04-15
Completion Date
2025-10-29
Last Updated
2026-08-18
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
DHA-taurine
Weight-adjusted oral administration of DHA-taurine (2 mg/kg) under fasting conditions. Participants received a single dose on one study visit as part of a randomized, double-blind crossover design. Plasma DHA and DHA-taurine concentrations were measured during an 8-hour absorption test.
DHA ethyl ester
Weight-adjusted oral administration of DHA ethyl ester (1.637 mg/kg, equimolar DHA content to 2 mg/kg DHA-taurine) under fasting conditions. Participants received a single dose on one study visit as part of a randomized, double-blind crossover design. Plasma DHA concentrations were measured during an 8-hour absorption test.
Locations (1)
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark