Omega‑3 (EPA) for depression linked to inflammation in adults with obesity
Effects of 12-week n-3 PUFA Treatment (EPA) on Depressive Symptoms in Overweight/Obese Depressed Subjects With Low n-3 PUFA Status: Relationship With Systemic Inflammation
This trial tests whether taking 2 g/day of EPA omega‑3 for 12 weeks helps reduce depressive symptoms in antidepressant‑free adults with obesity who have low omega‑3 levels.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 54 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Taichung, Taichung) |
| Trial ID | NCT07439744 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a 12‑week, randomized, placebo‑controlled trial giving 2 g/day of EPA versus placebo to antidepressant‑free adults with obesity and comorbid major depressive disorder who have a low n‑3 index (<8%). Participants are drawn from a Taiwanese cohort and will be randomized to active or placebo arms. The study also examines links between response and PLA2/COX2 genotypes, lifestyle and nutritional profiles, and gut microbiota composition. Outcomes focus on change in depressive symptoms and correlations with inflammatory and biological markers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are antidepressant‑free adults with obesity and diagnosed major depressive disorder who have a low blood n‑3 index (<8%) and can attend the Taichung site.
Not a fit: Patients with normal or high omega‑3 status, current antidepressant treatment, excluded psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., schizophrenia, mania), active substance abuse, or serious medical conditions requiring anti‑inflammatory/immunosuppressive therapies are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a low‑risk, widely available supplement option to help reduce depressive symptoms in obese patients with low omega‑3 status.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials and meta‑analyses suggest EPA‑rich omega‑3 can help depressive symptoms, particularly in inflammatory or EPA‑responsive subgroups, but results are mixed and the obesity/inflammation enrichment strategy is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Major depressive disorder. * Antidepressant drug-free. Exclusion Criteria: * Schizophrenia * Mania * Anxiety disorders (except for social phobia and generalized anxiety that are often comorbid with MDD) * Obsessive-compulsive disorder * Post-traumatic stress disorder * Alcohol or drug abuse/dependence (except for nicotine) * Active suicidal ideation * Serious medical/neurological conditions, especially requiring corticosteroid/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapies or chronic thyroid hormone replacement
Where this trial is running
Taichung, Taichung
- Mind Body Interface Research Center (MBI Lab & Care) — Taichung, Taichung, Taiwan (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.