The effects of Omega-3 supplementation on stress, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and everyday memory in individuals with psychological distress: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Omega-3 supplementation produced significant improvements in stress, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and memory outcomes within the intervention group.

• Participants received either omega-3 supplementation (500 mg EPA + 250 mg DHA) or a placebo daily for three months.
• Significant improvements were observed for all primary outcomes: PSS, GAD-7, PHQ-9, PSQI, and EMQ (p < 0.001 for all).
• The trial was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled with 64 participants total.
• Pre- and post-intervention assessments used validated scales including PSS, GAD-7, PHQ-9, PSQI, ESS, and EMQ.

Between-group comparisons showed statistically significant reductions in post-intervention scores for the intervention group versus the control group.

• 32 participants were allocated to the intervention group and 32 to the control group.
• Post-intervention scores were significantly lower in the omega-3 group compared to the placebo group across all measured psychological and cognitive outcomes.
• The study population consisted of individuals with high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, memory issues, and poor sleep quality at baseline.

Regression analysis revealed strong predictive relationships between pre- and post-intervention scores, particularly for stress and depression.

• Regression analysis was used to examine how baseline scores predicted post-intervention outcomes.
• The predictive relationships were described as particularly strong for stress (PSS) and depression (PHQ-9).
• This analysis was conducted as part of statistical evaluation of the three-month intervention period.

The study targeted a Saudi population, for which data on the effect of omega-3 supplementation on depression, stress, anxiety, everyday memory, and sleep quality was previously lacking.

• The authors noted a lack of data on the effect of omega-3 supplementation on these outcomes specifically in a Saudi population.
• Participants were identified as having severe psychological distress at enrollment.
• The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT07157241.

The authors concluded that omega-3 supplementation represents a potentially safe and effective adjunct for managing stress, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances.

• The daily dose used was 500 mg EPA + 250 mg DHA for three months.
• The authors suggested further research should explore how individual responses are influenced by baseline inflammation and omega-3 status.
• Omega-3 PUFAs were characterized as having mood-regulating effects based on the study findings.