The Efficacy of Long-Chain Fatty Acids, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs), in Treating Long COVID Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

NCT07711444 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: CMUH113-REC2-158
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 54
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Researchers conducted a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of EPA or SPM treatments versus a placebo in managing Long COVID symptoms in adult patients. Researchers planned to enroll 240 eligible participants from various general and psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan. The focus was on evaluating the therapeutic impact and potential side effects of administering 3 g/day of EPA or 1.67 mg/day of SPMs on symptoms of depression in these patients. This consolidated approach aims to provide comprehensive insights into the efficacy of EPA and SPM treatments in Long COVID cases, addressing crucial mental health aspects.

Conditions

COVID - 19; Depression - Major Depressive Disorder

Keywords

SPM; EPA; Depression

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD)

  Adult depressive symptoms were assessed using the 21-item HAMD at baseline (week 0) and at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12.

  (week 0) and at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Erythrocyte Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

  Week 0 and Week 12

Study Arms (3)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

EXPERIMENTAL

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) at a total daily dose of 3 g, administered as six capsules

Dietary Supplement: Eicosapentaenoic acid (omega-3 fatty acid)

Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)

EXPERIMENTAL

SPM at a total daily dose of 1.67 g, administered as six capsules

Dietary Supplement: Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediator

Placebo

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

soybean oil

Dietary Supplement: Placebo

Interventions

Eicosapentaenoic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

A total daily dose of 3 g, administered as six capsules

Also known as: EPA

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Placebo DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Six capsules containing soybean oil daily

Placebo

Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediator DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

A total daily dose of 1.67 g, administered as six capsules

Also known as: SPM

Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 20 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by PCR, documented positive test, or clinician diagnosis
• Meeting CDC criteria for Post-COVID Conditions (Long COVID) as the presence of new, returning, or ongoing symptoms ≥4 weeks after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection
• Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-21) score ≥18 at baseline
• Stable antidepressant treatment for ≥4 weeks or no current antidepressant use; and
• Ability to provide written informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Current or past six-month diagnosis of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, or other major psychiatric conditions based on ICD-10 or DSM-5 criteria
• Significant neurological or medical comorbidities (eg, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, autoimmune disease, cancer), acute infections, or clinically significant laboratory abnormalities
• Regular use of SPM or EPA supplementation \>0·5 g/day
• Known allergy or intolerance to omega-3 fatty acids or SPMs; and
• Requirement for inpatient psychiatric care due to acute suicide risk

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan: lead

Study Sites (1)

Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI Lab & Care)

Taichung, Taichung, 404, Taiwan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

COVID-19; Depression

Interventions

Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Fatty Acids, Omega-3

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pneumonia, Viral; Pneumonia; Respiratory Tract Infections; Infections; Virus Diseases; Coronavirus Infections; Coronaviridae Infections; Nidovirales Infections; RNA Virus Infections; Lung Diseases; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; Dietary Fats; Fats; Lipids; Eicosanoids; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Fatty Acids; Fish Oils; Oils

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: TRIPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, CARE PROVIDER, INVESTIGATOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER GOV
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor

Model Details: The interventional model, including the supplementation of EPA and SPM

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 14, 2026
• First Posted: July 17, 2026
• Study Start: June 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: December 1, 2025
• Study Completion: June 1, 2026
• Last Updated: July 21, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TW (1)