Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 to 55 Women only

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 typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment300 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of California, San Diego
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (La Jolla, California and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 10, 2016
Main results expectedJune 1, 2027
Study endsDecember 31, 2027
Registry record updatedMarch 31, 2026
Trial IDNCT03100656 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

  • 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

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.