Omega-3 Supplementation and Mental Health in College Students

University of Colorado, Colorado Springs103 enrolled

Overview

This randomized, placebo-controlled double blinded study examined whether placebo, low- or high dose omega 3 fatty acid supplementation had associations with mental health symptoms and vitamin D status in college students aged 18-27.

A 3-arm randomized design was employed where participants took 2 pills daily for 90 days. The first arm was a placebo, second arm was a low dose omega 3 and third arm was high dose omega 3. Mental health outcomes were measured using the GAD 7 questionnaire that measured anxiety, PHQ-9 which measured depression, and MSQ (Medical Symptoms Questionnaire) that assessed overall bodily symptoms. Vitamin D levels were also assessed as a secondary outcome.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Enrollment

103

Conditions

Mental Health Vitamin D

Interventions

PlaceboDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Placebo

Low dose Omega 3DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

700 mg/day omega 3 fatty acids

High dose Omega 3DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

2150 mg/day omega 3 fatty acids

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 27 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * age 18-27 years * if taking antidepressants or enrolled in therapy, needs to be stable with at least 6 months or more of stable medication dose use and regular therapy appointments Exclusion Criteria: * age younger than 18 and older than 27 * not willing to take two capsules daily for 90 days * not willing to get bloodwork * has a history of fainting during bloodwork * not willing to have anthropometrics measured * not willing to have daily text reminders sent to phone * currently has regularly taken omega 3 daily for at least 6 months * currently has regularly taken vitamin D supplementation daily for at least 6 months * allergic or sensitive to fish * will not like to deal with potential "fish burps" * utilized mental health services for less than 6 months * taken an antidepressant for less than 6 months * currently actively takes benzodiazepines * currently actively takes sedatives or tranquilizers * Currently is taking steroid supplements * currently is taking steroid medications * had surgery within the last 2 weeks or plans on having surgery within the next 3 months * currently taking blood thinning medications * takes NSAIDS regularly * currently using a weight loss drug

Locations (1)

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Anxiety

GAD-7 (Summed 0-21 with higher scores indicating more anxiety)

Time frame: Baseline to end of intervention (90 days)

Depression Symptoms

PHQ-9 (Summed for a score of 0-27, the higher the score the more depression)

Time frame: Baseline to end of intervention (90 days)

Secondary Outcomes

Vitamin D

serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Time frame: Baseline to end of intervention (90 days)

Medical Symptom Burden

Medical Symptoms Questionnaire (MSQ), summed score 0-100, the lower the score the better health. Optimal health is 10 or less

Time frame: Baseline to end of intervention (90 days)

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.