MooDFOOD Trial

The MooDFOOD trial, is a double blinded randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of nutritional strategies in the prevention of major depressive disorder (MDD).

The trial involved 1025 participants who were at a high risk of depression and aged between 18-75 years of age. All participants were classified as overweight (BMI of over 25kg/m2) and displayed subsyndromal symptoms of depression assessed by a Patient Health Questionnaire score of at least 5. Participants were recruited from the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Using block randomization, stratified according to research location, participants were assigned to one of four intervention groups. Within these groups participants received a multivitamin supplement (Omega 3 fatty acids in the form of 1412mg EPA and DHA with a 3:1 ratio, and 100mg Calcium, 30μg Selenium, 400 μg Folic Acid and 20 μg Vitamin D3) or placebo supplements (matched in physical characteristics) and/ or food related behavioural change therapy (FBC). FBC was delivered by trained psychologists and involved 8 individual sessions plus 6 group sessions – topics covered included dietary intake, food preparation, food shopping, and meal patterns with a focus on promoting a Mediterranean style dietary pattern.

Trial interventions ran for 12 months and the primary endpoint assessed was onset of MDD. Secondary endpoints include depressive symptoms and anxiety.

Please see the study protocol paper for further information more…

Update: The MooDFOOD trial is now complete. Results are due for publication in the Autumn of 2018.