The purpose of this study is to investigate whether fish oil containing free fatty acidsaffects people's susceptibility to viral infections such as colds, influenza, andCOVID-19, as well as the course of these illnesses. Omega Cold is purified fish oil with2% added free fatty acids, making it similar in that respect to less-purified fish oils.Participants aged 18-80 in generally good health will be recruited through Matís'consumer mailing list and social media advertisements. A total of 400 participants areplanned: 100 in the winter of 2025-2026 and 300 in the winter of 2026-2027. Participantswill be randomly assigned to two equal groups. One group will take Omega Cold orallytwice a day for four months, while the other receives a placebo (vegetable oil) taken inthe same way. They will not be asked to change any other habits. All participants willreport weekly on their health and any cold or flu symptoms during the time they take theoil, using short questionnaires. The study is scheduled to begin in December 2025, whenthe oil will be sent to participants.
The purpose of the Omega Cold fish oil study is to determine whether fish oil enriched
with free fatty acids affects people's susceptibility to viral infections, such as colds,
flu or COVID, and the illnesses caused by such infections.
Free fatty acids are present in untreated fish oil. However, the fish oil most commonly
on the market today has been purified of free fatty acids. Omega Cold fish oil is
purified fish oil with added free fatty acids in 2% concentration. This study is the
first step in investigating whether fish oil with free fatty acids affects how often
people get sick from viral infections, and whether consuming the fish oil affects the
progression of the illness.
Participants in the study are recruited by sending an email to Matís' consumer list and
through advertisements on social media. The conditions for participation are to be
between the ages of 18-80 and in generally good health. The aim is for 400 people to
participate in the study - 100 in the winter of 2025 - 2026 and 300 in the winter of 2026
- 2027.
The participants will be divided into two equal groups. One group will receive Omega Cold
fish oil to take twice a day for four months. The other group is a placebo group and will
receive vegetable oil to take in the same way. Participants will not be asked to change
anything else in their consumption or behavior. All participants will be asked to record
information about their health with regard to cold and flu symptoms weekly during the
time they take the oil using short questionnaires.
Dietary Supplement: Omega-3 oil with 2% Free Fatty Acids
Omega-3 oil enriched with Free Fatty Acids (2%) for oral intake
Dietary Supplement: Vegatable oil
Vegetable oil as placebo
Inclusion Criteria: To be in general good health, be between 18 to 80 years of age and be
willing and able to take fish oil orally.
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Exclusion Criteria: Younger than 18 years and older than 80 years.
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Not Provided
Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir, B.Sc
8585010 - +354
adalheiduro@matis.is
Magnús Gottfreðsson, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator
Landspitali, University of Iceland