Fish oil pills could boost mood and memory, small study finds
NCT ID NCT07157241
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether daily omega-3 supplements (fish oil) can help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and improve memory and sleep in 64 Saudi adults who reported high stress. Participants took either omega-3 or a placebo for three months. Those taking omega-3 reported lower stress, anxiety, and depression scores, and better sleep and memory compared to the placebo group. The results suggest omega-3 may support mental wellbeing, but larger studies are needed to confirm.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- omega-3 (fish oil) supplements
- What this could lead to
- If confirmed, omega-3 supplements could offer a simple, low-cost way to help reduce stress, anxiety, and improve sleep in adults with high stress.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with only 64 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and the improvements were based on self-reported questionnaires, not objective measures.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
64 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Feb 2022
- Finished
-
Aug 2024
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 65 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: high psychological distress did not take any omega-3 supplements for the last 6 month \- Exclusion Criteria: * younger than 18 pregnant breastfeeding anyone with supplements and chronic diseases
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Anxiety are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
university of Umm Al-Qura
Mecca, Saudi Arabia
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Gut bacteria may hold clues to dozens of diseases
- VR headset may calm kids before heart procedure
- Can a Text-Message program help trauma survivors avoid PTSD and depression?
- Can a website help young people understand depression?
- Could a whiff of xenon replace the Pre-Surgery chill pill?
- Can a pencil and paper calm anxious teens with diabetes?