North-east scientists are looking for fish-loving volunteers to take part in a study into the health of South Asian men and women.
Aberdeen University’s investigation will examine if eating mackerel could improve the health of people with diabetes.
Past research has discovered that people of South Asian ethnicity are at a greater risk of developing the condition, but the scientists leading the study believe that lower levels of omega-3 consumption could be part of the problem.
So they are hoping to attract 300 South Asian volunteers, between the ages of 25 and 65, with diabetes from across the UK, as well as 30 who don’t have the disease to participate in the survey.
Half the participants will be asked to eat two tins of mackerel a week, and blood samples will be measured during the investigation.
Everybody who takes part in the study will be given a report on how healthy their diet is and how well their diabetes is being controlled.
Volunteers will be provided with the food by Fraserburgh-based International Fish Canners.
Khairun Sumali, who is involved in the university research said: “We want to make sure taking part in the study is as easy as possible.
“Therefore, we have designed the project in such a way participants can take part from home.
“We will also provide participants with a mackerel recipe book, so they don’t run out of tasty ways to enjoy the mackerel!”
For more information, or to take part in the study, contact Khairun Sumali on 01224 438689.
