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This study looked at whether taking omega-3 supplements can help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and improve memory and sleep quality in Saudi adults who feel highly stressed or anxious. Omega-3 is a healthy fat found in fish oil that may help the brain and mood.
A total of 64 adults took part. They were randomly split into two groups. One group took omega-3 capsules (500 mg EPA + 250 mg DHA) every day for three months. The other group took a placebo (an inactive oil). Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was taking which capsules to keep the study fair.
Before and after the three months, all participants completed simple questionnaires about their stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, and everyday memory.
The results showed that people who took omega-3 had lower stress, anxiety, and depression scores and reported better sleep quality and memory compared to those who took the placebo.
This suggests that taking omega-3 supplements may help improve mental wellbeing and sleep in people with high stress and anxiety.
Full description
Psychological stress, anxiety, depression, memory difficulties, and poor sleep quality are common issues that affect many adults and can lower overall health and quality of life. Although pharmaceutical treatments exist, they often come with side effects and may not work for everyone. Nutritional approaches, such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation, have gained interest due to their possible neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and mood-regulating effects.
This study investigated the impact of daily omega-3 supplementation (500 mg EPA + 250 mg DHA) for three months compared with placebo in Saudi adults with high levels of stress and anxiety. Validated tools - including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ), and sleep quality scales (PSQI, ESS) - were used to assess changes before and after the intervention.
The trial used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Adherence was monitored through daily communication and monthly capsule counts. Results indicated significant improvements in stress, anxiety, depression, memory, and sleep quality for participants who received omega-3 compared with those who received placebo. Statistical analyses showed strong effect sizes and predictive relationships between baseline measures and outcomes.
This research highlights the potential role of omega-3 supplementation as a supportive strategy for mental wellbeing and sleep improvement. Further studies are needed to explore individual responses and underlying biological mechanisms.
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high psychological distress did not take any omega-3 supplements for the last 6 month
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64 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group
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Data sourced from clinicaltrials.gov
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