Researchers from within our institute will co-lead a new clinical trial looking at whether dietary interventions can improve depressive symptoms in people with bipolar disorder.
We're delighted that Daniel Smith and Rebecca Reynolds in our institute will co-lead ENERGISE-BD, a major new clinical trial funded by Wellcome.
The trial, Evaluating Nutritional Ketosis Versus NHS EatWell Guidelines for Bipolar Depression: Single Blind Phase III Randomised Controlled Trial, will evaluate whether dietary interventions can improve depressive symptoms in people with bipolar disorder, comparing:
Alongside clinical outcomes, the study will examine feasibility, acceptability, and health-economic impacts, as well as how these diets may influence brain metabolism.
ENERGISE-BD trial represents a significant step forward in understanding how dietary interventions can support mental health. By comparing two well-defined nutritional strategies in a rigorous randomised controlled trial, the study aims to generate evidence that could reshape clinical practice and public health guidance, offering new hope to individuals affected by bipolar depression.
We are delighted by Wellcome’s investment in this clinical trial comparing two nutritional interventions for bipolar depression. This work builds on our recent feasibility study of the ketogenic diet in bipolar disorder and also includes an assessment of how both nutritional approaches might change metabolism within the brain. Should a nutritional approach prove to be helpful for bipolar depression this would be a major breakthrough.
This innovative, multidisciplinary project brings together two leading institutions and researchers to address a critical gap in mental health treatment.
ENERGISE-BD is led jointly by Professors Rebecca Reynolds and Daniel Smith of the Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research at the University of Edinburgh, and by Professors Steven Marwaha and Matthew Broome of the University of Birmingham. Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Lothian as key delivery partners. The Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit further strengthens this partnership by bringing critical expertise in trial design and conduct.
We are pleased to collaborate on this ground-breaking trial testing whether bipolar depression can be managed through dietary intervention. Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit will implement and oversee the study, providing trial design, delivery, data systems and statistical expertise, to ensure the research is conducted to the highest scientific standards.
