Hub Researchers Partner in £7.9M ENERGISE-BD Trial to Explore Diet to Reduce Depression in Bipolar Disorder

We are delighted to share that Professor Rebecca Reynolds and Prof Daniel Smith have partnered with colleagues at the University of Birmingham (Study Co-Leads) to commence ENERGISE-BD, a major new clinical trial funded by Wellcome.

Evaluating Nutritional Ketosis Versus NHS EatWell Guidelines for Bipolar Depression: Single Blind Phase III Randomised Controlled Trial (ENERGISE-BD) will assess the impact of two distinct dietary approaches on depressive symptoms in people with bipolar disorder: a nutritional ketosis diet versus the NHS EatWell guidelines. Researchers are also hoping to understand the mechanisms, costs and consequences of both approaches

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 Professor Rebecca Reynolds (Hub Co-I) and Professor Daniel Smith (Hub PI) in Edinburgh and by Professors Steven Marwaha and Matthew Broome in Birmingham, with NHS Lothian and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust as key delivery partners. Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit further strengthens this partnership, bringing critical expertise in trial design and conduct.

The 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.