Effects of Fish-oil on Mood and Cognitive Functions of Healthy Individuals

Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC)

Status

Completed

Conditions

Depression

Treatments

Dietary Supplement: omega-3 fatty acids supplements (fish oil)

Dietary Supplement: Placebo

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT01104194

P07.063

Details and patient eligibility

About

The investigators recently found a positive effect of omega-3 supplements on cognitive function in healthy individuals after 4 weeks (J of Psychopharmacology 2009, 23: 831-840). The investigators hypothesize that 4 weeks consumption of omega-3 supplements in previously depressed individuals will positively affect their cognitive functions.

Secondly, low Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Some studies have found low HRV in patients with depression. No studies have investigated the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplements on Heart Rate Variability in individuals with a history of depression. The investigators will test the hypotheses that omega-3 supplements lead to an improvement of heart rate variability indices in healthy volunteers with a history of depression.

Enrollment

60 estimated patients

Sex

All

Ages

18 to 45 years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Dutch-speaking men and women
Normal weight (BMI between 18 and 27).
Regular diets, not containing fish more than once a week.
History of depression (at least one major depressive episode in the past).

Exclusion criteria

Currently more than mildly depressed (BDI-II-NL score higher than 19, or score on the suicidality item of this scale higher than 1).
Current or past psychosis
Current substance abuse or past substance dependence
Smoking or current use of soft drugs (current = month prior to study till completion)
Any hard drug use (lifetime)
More than 3 alcoholic consumptions/day

Participants will be asked to keep their dietary habits constant throughout the study.