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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07157241

Effect of Omega-3 Supplements on Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Memory and Sleep Quality Among Saudis

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Adults Anxiety Anxiety Disorders Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Depression Dyssomnias Everyday Memory Mental Disorders Nervous System Diseases Psychological Distress Sleep Disorders, Intrinsic Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders Sleep Quality Sleep Wake Disorders

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

university of Umm Al-Qura

Mecca, Saudi Arabia

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

high psychological distress did not take any omega-3 supplements for the last 6 month

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Exclusion criteria

  • younger than 18 pregnant breastfeeding anyone with supplements and chronic diseases

Treatment and study plan

Intervention

Dietary Supplement

omega-3 capsules with a concentration of 1000 mg/day for three months (NOW Foods- Ultra omega-3 500 EPA/250 DHA).

Control group (placebo)

Dietary Supplement

corn oil capsule /day for 3 months

Primary outcomes

  1. Change from the baseline for the following scales: Perceived Stress General Anxiety Disorder-7 Depression Level measured using PHQ-9 Sleep Quality Daytime sleepiness and sleep disorders Memory failure in everyday life.

    Time frame: Baseline and 3 months after intervention

    Primary Outcome Measures:

    • Change in Perceived Stress Perceived Stress Scale (0-40, higher = more stress). Self-reported at baseline and 3 months.
    • Change in Anxiety Level Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (0-21, higher = more anxiety). Self-reported at baseline and 3 months.
    • Change in Depression Level Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (0-27, higher = more depression). Self-reported at baseline and 3 months.
    • Change in Sleep Quality Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (0-21, higher = poorer sleep quality). Self-reported at baseline and 3 months.
    • Change in Daytime Sleepiness Epworth Sleepiness Scale (0-24, higher = more sleepiness). Self-reported at baseline and 3 months.
    • Change in Everyday Memory Failures Everyday Memory Questionnaire (0-25, higher = more frequent memory failures). Self-reported at baseline and 3 months.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Umm Al-Qura University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Omega-3 Supplements on Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Memory and Sleep Quality Among Saudi Adults: A Double-Blind Placebo Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: OSADMS

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Sep 5, 2025
Registry last updated
Sep 5, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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