Effects of Omega-3 on Alcohol Use Disorder
Official title: Impact of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Emotional, Cognitive and Biological Alterations in Alcohol Use Disorder
Run by Université Catholique de Louvain · NCT05899660 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if omega-3 supplements can help improve mental health in people with alcohol use disorder over three months.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Université Catholique de Louvain Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Brussels) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 19, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2024 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 22, 2023 |
| Trial ID | NCT05899660 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other addictions, significant psychiatric comorbidities, or recent use of certain medications may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Cliniques universitaires Saint Luc
Brussels, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Philippe de Timary, MD, PhD — St Luc academic Hospital and Université Catholique de Louvain
- Study coordinator: Sophie Leclercq, PhD
- Email: sophie.leclercq@uclouvain.be
- Phone: +3224361023
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.