Effects of Omega-3 on Alcohol Use Disorder

Impact of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Emotional, Cognitive and Biological Alterations in Alcohol Use Disorder

Not applicable Interventional Université Catholique de Louvain · NCT05899660

This study is testing if omega-3 supplements can help improve mental health in people with alcohol use disorder over three months.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversité Catholique de Louvain Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brussels)
Trial IDNCT05899660 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates how omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) can improve mental health in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Participants will receive either omega-3 supplements or a placebo (olive oil) for three months while undergoing various assessments, including brain MRIs and psychological tests. The study aims to explore whether the benefits of omega-3 are linked to changes in gut microbiota and inflammation levels. By understanding these biological pathways, the research seeks to provide insights into nutritional interventions for AUD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 70 diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who are currently undergoing a three-week alcohol withdrawal program.

Not a fit: Patients with other addictions, significant psychiatric comorbidities, or recent use of certain medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment options for patients with alcohol use disorder by enhancing mood and cognitive function.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for omega-3 supplementation in improving mood disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach in treating alcohol use disorder.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (≥ 4 DSM-5 criteria)
* Patient at the hospital for a 3 week alcohol withdrawal program
* Gender : male and female
* Age : between 18 and 70 years old
* Language : french
* Alcohol consumption less than 48 jours before admission

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of another addiction, except for smoking and cannabis use
* Presence of a psychiatric comorbidity (axis 1 DSM-5)
* Current or recent use (\< 2 months) of antibiotics, probiotics, fibre supplements
* Current or recent (\< 2 months) use of omega-3 supplements
* Current or recent (\< 2 months) use of oral anti-coagulants drugs
* Current or recent (\< 2 months) double anti-platelet therapy
* Coagulation disorders
* Current or recent (\< 1 month) use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids
* Morbid obesity : body mass index \> 35 kg.m-2
* Bariatric surgery
* Type I diabetes and type II diabetes not stabilised (i.e. glycated haemoglobin \> 7.2 and unstable drug treatments)
* Chronic inflammatory diseases
* Cancer (less than 5 years before admission)
* Presence of cirrhosis (Fibroscan® = F4 and echodoppler performed as part of clinical routine on patient admission)
* Known allergy to fish and seafood
* Any other comorbidity that would be a contraindication to the study in the judgement of the principal investigator

Where this trial is running

Brussels

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Alcohol Use Disorder, Severegut microbiotaOmega 3metabolomicsDepressionAnxietyAlcohol cravingSociability
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.