The synchronized trial on expectant mothers with depressive symptoms by omega-3 PUFAs

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25702043
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Applied health science
• Research Institution: National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
• Principal Investigator: NISHI DAISUKE 国立研究開発法人国立精神・神経医療研究センター, 精神保健研究所精神保健計画研究部, システム開発研究室長 (40450605)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: うつ病 / 母子保健 / 精神保健 / 栄養学 / オメガ3系脂肪酸

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We conducted an open-label pilot trial in pregnant women with depressive symptoms in Japan and Taiwan, and showed safety and potential efficacy of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for improving depressive symptoms for the first time in Japan, where fish consumption is higher than in almost any other countries. Then we have conducted a multicenter, double-blind, parallel group, randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy of omega-3 PUFAs in Japan and Taiwan, and have successfully recruited a sufficient number of participants.

Free Research Field

精神保健学