The effects of a high eicosapentaenoic acid multinutrient supplement on measures of stress, anxiety and depression in young adults: Study protocol for NutriMOOD, a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate the effects of a high eicosapentaenoic acid multinutrient supplement on anxiety and depression in healthy university students with non-clinical levels of these conditions.
Results Summary
The abstract describes the study protocol but does not report results, as it is a trial registration.
Population
Healthy university students aged 18-29 experiencing non-clinical levels of anxiety and depression.
Effective Dosage
1125 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, 441 mg docosahexaenoic acid, 330 mg magnesium, and 7.5 mg vitamin E daily.
Duration
24 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
fish-oil-based supplements comprising omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and supporting nutrients | decrease | anxiety disorders | young adults aged 18-29 years | - | gaining recognition as safe and effective alternatives | #1 |
high eicosapentaenoic acid multinutrient supplement | neutral | validated measures of anxiety and depression | healthy university students experiencing non-clinical levels of anxiety and depression | - | investigating the effects | #2 |
high eicosapentaenoic acid multinutrient supplement | decrease | anxiety | healthy university students experiencing non-clinical levels of anxiety and depression | - | improvement in anxiety compared to the placebo group | #3 |
active treatment comprising a daily dose of 1125 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, 441 mg docosahexaenoic acid, 330 mg magnesium and 7.5 mg vitamin E | neutral | validated questionnaires and tablet-based tasks sensitive to mood | healthy university students experiencing non-clinical levels of anxiety and depression | - | will be randomised to | #4 |
active treatment comprising a daily dose of 1125 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, 441 mg docosahexaenoic acid, 330 mg magnesium and 7.5 mg vitamin E | neutral | circulating fatty acids and key biomarkers | healthy university students experiencing non-clinical levels of anxiety and depression | - | will be assessed | #5 |
long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids | neutral | affect | students | - | influence the relationship | #6 |
Anxiety disorders affect nearly 20% of young adults aged 18-29 years. First-line treatment for anxiety disorders comprises pharmacotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, options often criticised for their low efficacy and safety. In contrast, fish-oil-based supplements comprising omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and supporting nutrients are gaining recognition as safe and effective alternatives. Here we present the protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of a high eicosapentaenoic acid multinutrient supplement on validated measures of anxiety and depression in healthy university students experiencing non-clinical levels of anxiety and depression. The primary outcome is improvement in anxiety compared to the placebo group assessed via the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 scale. The participants will be randomised to active treatment comprising a daily dose of 1125 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, 441 mg docosahexaenoic acid, 330 mg magnesium and 7.5 mg vitamin E, or placebo, for 24 weeks, and will complete validated questionnaires and tablet-based tasks sensitive to mood at baseline and end of intervention. Circulating fatty acids and key biomarkers will also be assessed. The students will be genotyped for polymorphisms thought to influence the relationship between long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and affect. Trial registration; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04844034.