Volunteers wanted for MoodFood trial
Researchers from the University of Exeter are seeking participants for a trial into whether certain types of food could prevent depression.
Experiencing depression often goes hand in hand with being overweight. The MoodFood trial will compare different nutritional and lifestyle strategies that might change mood and wellbeing in people with a higher than average body mass index (BMI).
Volunteers must be overweight with a BMI of 25 - 40 and be feeling low or stressed. They must live in or near Exeter, be aged 18-75 and be willing to participate in lifestyle coaching, initially meeting weekly and then every month.
Everyone accepted onto the study will be given multivitamin supplements or a placebo - free of charge - for a year. Half of volunteers will also receive behavioural and lifestyle coaching.
Professor Ed Watkins from the University of Exeter’s Mood Disorders Centre said: “There are indications that nutrition could help prevent depression, but we do not yet have enough evidence for this.
“The results of this study could revolutionise our understanding and treatment of depression – a condition that affects nearly one-fifth of adults in the UK.
“We are looking for 250 people to take part in the study, if you think that you could help us to help those suffering from depression, please get in touch.”
Research suggests that multivitamins could help improve mood by supporting and protecting the brain. To test this, multivitamin supplements will be compared to inactive placebo supplements that are identical in look and taste but include no active ingredients.
The study will also investigate whether changes to lifestyle and behavioural coaching can help to improve mood. This will focus on changing behaviour to build up healthy habits and reduce unhealthy habits, especially around food, diet, and activity.
Participants must be willing to tell their GP that they are taking part. They must not currently be receiving treatment for psychiatric disorders, must not be pregnant and must never have had weight loss surgery.
People keen to participate should complete the assessment at the following link: Participate in the MoodFOOD trial. Preventing depression through food.
