Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Incidental reports collected in clinical trials suggest that amongst participants, omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil ('omega-3') may be difficult to blind.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic evaluation of blinding success in a 24-week trial of omega-3 versus an oil-based placebo. Within 1 week of supplement commencement (Week 1), a blinding questionnaire was completed by 131 children enrolled in a trial of omega-3 for the treatment of disruptive behaviour disorders. A version of the questionnaire was also completed by their parents at Week 1, and by the children at the end of supplement administration (Week 24).
RESULTS: Participants were unable to differentiate omega-3 from placebo, and accuracy did not improve as a function of: the confidence of guesses, reason for guesses, notice of any change, beliefs about what should change, or time. Child and parent guesses also showed high concordance.
CONCLUSION: Taken together, these data provide strong evidence that the identity of omega-3 can be blinded to participants.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 85-91 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore |
| Volume | 44 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 1 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- General Medicine