Omega‑3 (EPA) for depression linked to inflammation in adults with obesity
Official title: 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
Run by National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan · NCT07439744 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 54 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Taichung, Taichung) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07439744 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Mind Body Interface Research Center (MBI Lab & Care)
Taichung, Taichung, Taiwan Recruiting
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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.