NCT03372733 · National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Dietary Omega-7 Palmitoleic Acid-Rich Oil on Lipoprotein Metabolism and Satiety in Adults
What this study is about
Background: Omega-7 fatty acids are found in the oil extracted from certain fish and nuts like macadamia. Palmitoleic acid is one of the most common omega-7 fatty acids. Many studies suggest that this oil is good for heart health. Researchers want to find out more about these potential benefits. Objective: To study how oil enriched with palmitoleic acid (Omega-7 oil) affects metabolism.
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Background: Omega-7 fatty acids are found in the oil extracted from certain fish and nuts like macadamia. Palmitoleic acid is one of the most common omega-7 fatty acids. Many studies suggest that this oil is good for heart health. Researchers want to find out more about these potential benefits. Objective: To study how oil enriched with palmitoleic acid (Omega-7 oil) affects metabolism. Eligibility: Healthy adults at least 18 years old with no known history of cardiovascular disease. Subjects not allergic to fish oil and fish products Females that are not pregnant and are not planning a pregnancy during the length of the study Design: Participants will be screened with questions about their health, medical history, and medicines they take. Participants will have 4 visits over 24 weeks. The visits may include: * Blood drawn from a vein in the arm by a needle stick. Sometimes participants will have to fast before the blood draw. * Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature) taken * Body mass index measured * Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index test may be performed. The stiffness of the participant s arteries will be measured by reading blood pressure in the arms and legs and monitoring the heart. * Optional stool samples * Pregnancy test * A short review of participants physical activity and diet * A supply of dietary supplements to take between visits. Participants will take 4 gel capsules a day. Participants will keep a food and exercise journal Compensation will be provided to subjects that complete the study Check your eligibility for this study by clicking here: https://www.surveymonkey.
Interventions
DRUG
control olive oil (COO)
2 capsules, 2 times a day after meals in a total of 4 capsules a day
DRUG
palmitoleate-rich oil (PLO)
2 capsules, 2 times a day after meals in a total of 4 capsules a day
Primary outcome measures
changes in the LDL-cholesterol levels
Time frame: 24 weeks
The primary outcome measures of this study will be changes in the LDL-cholesterol levels. Secondary outcome measurements will be changes in TC, TG, HDL-C, and other lipids, lipoprotein particle number, HDL functional test (i.e. efflux study) composition and size, changes in appetite and/or satiety. Each subject will serve as their own control.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Male and female participants 18 years of age or above.
- Subject must be healthy, with no known history of cardiovascular disease.
- Post-menopausal or women of childbearing potential must be non-lactating and using an effective form of birth control during the course of the study.
- Subject understands protocol and provides written, informed consent in addition to a willingness to comply with specified follow-up evaluations.
- Subjects with triglyceride levels above 100 mg/dL
Exclusion criteria
- Pregnancy, planned pregnancy (within the study period), or women currently breastfeeding.
- Subjects with allergy or known hypersensitivity to fish, omega-3-acid ethyl esters, omega-7 ethyl esters, other related drugs, or any component of study drugs
- Subjects with weight changes greater than 20% over the past 3 months.
- Subjects planning a significant change in diet or exercise levels.
- Subjects already consuming more than 2 g per day of MUFA, PUFA or other forms of fatty acid supplement if determined by the investigator as having a potential to interfere in the data quality or patient safety.
- Subjects with chronic diarrhea, gastric bypass or lap-band procedures, ostomies, bowel motility problems, or other known conditions that could affect intestinal fat absorption.
- Subjects with any acute and life-threatening condition, such but not limited to as prior sudden cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction (last three months), stroke, embolism as per investigator assessment.
- Subjects taking supplements or medications that affect lipoproteins for at least the past 8 weeks, such as fish oil supplements, bile-acid sequestrants, plant sterol supplements, fibrates, statins, Niacin or PCSK9 inhibitors.
- Subjects being treated with tamoxifen, estrogens, or progestins that have not been stable for \>4 weeks.
- Subjects initiating new medications or patients on multiple medications may also be excluded according to investigator discretion.
- Anticipated surgery during the study period.
- Liver enzymes (AST or ALT) levels above 3x upper limit of normal.
- Blood donation in the last 2 weeks or planned blood donation during the study.
- Subjects requiring regular transfusions for any reason.
- Subjects may also be excluded for any reason that may compromise their safety or the accuracy of research data or for not complying with protocol directions.
- Abnormal baseline laboratory values that are considered not clinically significant by the PI will not exclude the subject.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 11, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations