CompletedNot Applicable

Omega-3 Supplementation and Mental Health in College Students

United States103 participantsStarted 2024-08-29

Plain-language summary

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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 27 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

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

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Anxiety

Timeframe: Baseline to end of intervention (90 days)

Depression Symptoms

Timeframe: Baseline to end of intervention (90 days)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07391254

SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-12-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Mental Health trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 27 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.