Recruiting

Nutritional Intervention for College Students With Depression

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT07490782

PhaseNA

Enrollment30

SponsorUniversity of California, San Diego

Age18 Years

SexALL

I'm interested View official listing

Conditions studied

Depression - Major Depressive Disorder

About this study

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the feasibility of nutritional interventions in college students with depression. The main outcomes it aims to measure are: * Nutritional content, meal timing, and sleep patterns in college students with depression * Feasibility of nutritional interventions (Mediterranean Diet and Time-Restricted Eating + Mediterranean Diet) in college students with depression Researchers will compare two groups - Mediterranean Diet (Med-Diet) and Time-Restricted Eating + Mediterranean Diet (TRE + Med-Diet) - to assess adherence to the dietary interventions and overall feasibility of the study procedures. Participants will: * Complete a 2-week baseline logging diet, sleep, activity, and mood * Be randomized to Mediterranean Diet (Med-Diet) or Time-Restricted Eating + Med-Diet (TRE + Med-Diet) * Participate in dietary counseling with a registered dietitian during the 8-week intervention * Continue to log diet, wear an actigraphy device, and complete mood, sleep, and diet assessments throughout the intervention

Interventions

Behavioral: Mediterranean Diet — Participants will receive ongoing dietary counseling, nutritional resources, and practical tips to support adoption of a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern emphasizing healthy fats (e.g., olive oil), whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, while limiting red meat and dairy products throughout the intervention period.
Behavioral: Time-Restricted Eating — Participants will receive guidance to restrict daily food intake to a consistent 10-hour eating window.

Primary outcomes

Sleep onset (From enrollment to the end of baseline (2 weeks))
Sleep offset (From enrollment to the end of baseline (2 weeks))
Sleep Duration (From enrollment to the end of baseline (2 weeks))
M10 (From enrollment to the end of baseline (2 weeks))
L5 (From enrollment to the end of baseline (2 weeks))
Relative Amplitude (From enrollment to the end of baseline (2 weeks))
Interdaily Stability (From enrollment to the end of baseline (2 weeks))
Caloric intake timing (From enrollment to the end of baseline (2 weeks))

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years and enrolled as a college student * Symptoms of mild to moderate depression * Receiving treatment for depression or willing to receive treatment during study participation * Generally in good physical health * On a stable dose of any medication affecting weight, metabolism, or mental health Exclusion Criteria: * Elevated risk for suicide * Inability to participate safely, as determined by the study physician * Lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or post-traumatic stress disorder * Current eating disorder (e.g., bulimia, anorexia nervosa, binge eating) * Current alcohol or substance use disorder * Shift work outside of class schedule in the past 30 days * Pregnancy or lactation * Treatment with an investigational drug for depression or participation in another study requiring modification of diet

Study locations

University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093 United States

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.