Arachidonic acid (ARA) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid found in the phospholipids of cell membranes, especially in the brain and muscles. It plays a crucial role in cellular signalling and is a precursor for the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, which are involved in inflammation and immunity. The supplementation of ARA has been studied in various contexts, including athletic performance, inflammation, and mental health.

It is hoped that further research on ARA in the future will show that it can reduce cell damage from irradiation and chemotherapy in patients receiving cancer treatment.

For this study, the supplement containing ARA will be supplied in a powder, and will be consumed by being mixed into a drink or soft food each morning for 21 days.

There are 11 study groups, and each will be allocated a different quantity of supplement containing ARA to consume. As this is an open-label study, both you and the investigators will know which group you have been allocated to.

Please note: This page is a summary of the study outline and participant requirements. A full Participant Information Sheet with more detailed information will be provided to you before you are asked to give your consent to participate.

During the screening period, you will be required to attend the RDC Clinic for a medical consultation, and you will provide a blood and urine sample. Your blood will be checked to ensure that a range of markers are within a healthy range (and females are not pregnant). Your urine will be tested to ensure that you don’t have any illicit drugs in your system.

RDC Clinic (Fortitude Valley, Brisbane)

Eligible participants will be required to attend the RDC Clinic 12-13 times during the study. Please find a summary of the requirements below…

Visit Schedule

• Visit 2: approx. 45 minutes (only applicable for 3 arms, this visit can be combined with Day 1)
• Day 1 (visit 3): approximately 1 hour
• Days 2 – 7 (visits 4 – 9): approx 30 minutes each
• Day 10 (visit 10): approx 30 minutes
• Day 14 (visit 11): approx 30 minutes
• Day 17 (visit 12): approx 30 minutes
• Day 21 or 22 (visit 13): approx 45 minutes
• Day 28 (visit 14): approx 30 minutes

Compensation

You will be eligible for payment of up to either $1,940 or $2,790 as reimbursement for your time and out of pocket expenses (such as travel). The reimbursement will be made via direct deposit to your nominated bank account or by gift voucher (your choice) after study requirements have been met. Pro rata payments are available and full details are provided in the Participant Information and Consent Form.

If you would like to participate, we’d love to hear from you. Please register your interest by answering the questionnaire and completing the form on this page…we’ll then get in touch to screen you for eligibility.

Our clinic is located on Level 3, 252 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley. 

• Adults 18 years or older
• BMI between 18.0-32 kg/m² (Please use the BMI calculator on this page)
• Healthy with no uncontrolled or serious illnesses
• Able to provide informed consent
• Able to have multiple blood draws during the study period
• Able to attend the RDC Clinic for the specified visits

BMI Calculator

This RDC Clinical study has been approved by the Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee under Approval Number: 2024-09-1161.

Trained Investigators and Trial Coordinators will supervise your progress throughout the study. Personal information collected during the study will be kept in the strictest confidence. Results are analysed in a de-identified manner.