Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Ages 18 to 43 Women only

Exploring the link between maternal gut microbiome and perinatal depression and anxiety

Official title: Targeting Maternal Gut to Improve Mental Health Outcomes-- A Feasibility Pilot Clinical Trial

Run by The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine · NCT06074250 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if improving gut health with diet and supplements can help pregnant women who have a history of depression and anxiety feel better during and after pregnancy.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 43 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorThe Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 15, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 2027
Study endsMarch 2028
Registry record updatedAugust 27, 2024
Trial IDNCT06074250 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are pregnant women aged 18-43 with a history of depression or anxiety who are currently stable and between 12-35 weeks of gestation.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a BMI of 30 or higher, major mental health disorders, or severe medical conditions 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 study investigates the relationship between the gut microbiome and perinatal depression and anxiety (PDA) in pregnant women with a history of these conditions. A total of 100 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of four groups receiving dietary and supplemental interventions, including fish oil, probiotics, and prebiotics. Participants will complete six study visits over 9-12 months, during which dietary intake, mental health scores, and stool samples will be collected to assess the feasibility of the intervention. The study aims to optimize gut health as a potential management strategy for PDA.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological approach to managing perinatal depression and anxiety, improving maternal and child health outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results in using dietary interventions to influence gut microbiome and mental health, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* Women 18-43 years old
* 12-35 weeks of gestation
* Non-smoker/alcohol/recreational drug user
* Financially stable
* Clinical diagnosis of lifetime depression/anxiety or PDA but currently well
* English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Body Mass Index (BMI)≥30
* Low income (unable to afford basic daily needs (i.e., shelter, food, etc.)
* Diagnosis with other major mental health disorders (Bipolar, Psychosis, Addiction, Schizophrenia);
* Diagnosis with other severe medical conditions (i.e. epilepsy, neurological disorders, etc.)
* Allergies to fish oils/ingredients in supplements
* Conditions that require repeated/chronic antibiotic usage
* Having a child with significant mental/physical disability
* Single mothers without any kind of family support,
* Cigarette, alcohol and recreational drug users
* Women unwilling to switch to study product(s)
* Multiparous women with young children (i.e. one or more children less than 4 years of age at the time of delivery)
* Non-English Readers/Speakers

Where it's running

  • Sunnybrook Health Science Center
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Neda Ebrahimi, PhD — Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
  • Study coordinator: Neda Ebrahimi, PhD
  • Email: nebrahimi@ccnm.edu
  • Phone: 416-498-1255

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.