Investigating food aversion in anorexia nervosa patients
Official title: Solving EPHX2 and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Interactions in Anorexia Nervosa
Run by University of California, San Diego · NCT03100656 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how people with anorexia nervosa react to food compared to healthy individuals to better understand their food aversions and improve treatment options.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Diego Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (La Jolla, California and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 10, 2016 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 31, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03100656 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who meet specific BMI criteria and healthy controls without psychiatric illnesses.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with organic brain syndrome, schizophrenia, untreated thyroid disease, or those who are pregnant or lactating 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 employs a meal-challenge protocol to evaluate how patients with anorexia nervosa metabolize food differently compared to healthy controls. It aims to understand the heritable and biochemical factors that influence food aversion and psychopathology in anorexia nervosa. By utilizing a multi-omics biomarker system, the research seeks to uncover the interactions between genetic predispositions and dietary factors, ultimately aiming to inform more effective treatment strategies for this serious disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with anorexia nervosa by understanding the underlying metabolic and genetic factors influencing their condition.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies exploring metabolic factors in anorexia nervosa, this multi-omics approach is relatively novel and untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ill AN subjects will meet current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V) diagnosis of AN, body mass index (BMI) between 11 kg/m² and 17.5 kg/m², or BMI \> 17.5 kg/m² with active eating disorder symptoms. * Recovered AN must meet the following criteria at time of study entry: 1) Current or past DSM V diagnosis of AN; 2) BMI between 18.5 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2; 3) Having maintained a BMI of \>18.5 for at least one year. * Control must be healthy adolescent or woman negative on our screen for AN, other Axis I psychiatric illnesses, and having maintained a BMI of between 18.5-30 kg/m² since the age of 18. Exclusion Criteria: * Exclusion criteria for AN and control subjects include: Organic brain syndrome, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, untreated thyroid disease, renal disease, hepatic disease, and the regular use of fish-oil containing supplements within the last three months of the study. All pregnant and lactating individuals will be excluded.
Where it's running
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UC San Diego Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute
La Jolla, California, United States Recruiting -
Program for Eating Disorders, Toronto General Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pei-an (Betty) Shih, MPM, PhD — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Pei-an (Betty) Shih, MPM, PhD
- Email: eatingdisorderresearch@ucsd.edu
- Phone: (858) 534-0828
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.