28 April 2026
Research into the benefits of fish oil in the diet led by the University of Reading has been named British Journal of Nutrition Paper of the Year 2025.
The award-winning study, led by Parveen Yaqoob, Professor of Nutritional Physiology, found that high‑dose fish oil supplements are more effective than eating oily fish in changing the number and function of extracellular vesicles in healthy adults.
The award recognises its originality, scientific rigour and global significance in nutrition research.
Extracellular vesicles are tiny particles released by cells that play an important role in communication between cells. The research provides new insight into how different sources of omega‑3 fatty acids influence these particles in the body.
The study was a randomised, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial, involving a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Reading, Liverpool John Moores University and University of Southampton.
Agrifood strengths
It was selected as the winning study from a shortlist of papers published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2025, chosen by the journal’s editors for their originality, significance and methodological strength.
Professor Yaqoob, who is also the University of Reading Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said: “In common with many other scientific studies at Reading, this research benefited from the strength of collaborative research within and across universities.
“At Reading we are particularly blessed with strengths in research across agrifood, which provides a superb environment in which to improve our understanding of diet and human health, from the farm to the dinner table. We are very grateful to the British Journal of Nutrition for highlighting our study for recognition.”
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