Effects of Postbiotics on Mood Disorders in Korean Adults

Launched by HANYANG UNIVERSITY · May 18, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how postbiotics, which are beneficial compounds produced by the fermentation of probiotics, might help improve mood disorders in Korean adults. The researchers want to see if these postbiotics can make a difference for people who are experiencing symptoms of depression. The study has not started recruiting participants yet, but they are planning to include adults between the ages of 19 and 39 who have a certain level of depression, as measured by a standard questionnaire.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to have a body mass index (BMI) that falls within a specific range and be able to complete an online survey. However, some individuals won’t qualify, such as those who have participated in other clinical trials recently, have taken certain medications related to mental health or gut health, or have specific health conditions. Participants can expect to contribute to research that could help improve treatments for mood disorders, but they should also be aware that there are strict criteria for joining the study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults aged between 19 and 39 years at the time of screening.
• • BMI between 18.5 and 30 at the time of screening.
• • CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) score of 16 or higher.
• • Ability to access and respond to the survey via an online link.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Participation in any human clinical trial within the past 3 months before screening.
• • History of antipsychotic medication treatment within the past 3 months before screening.
• • Presence of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, respiratory, hepatobiliary, renal and urological, neurological, musculoskeletal, inflammatory, hematological, oncological, or gastrointestinal disorders.
• • Use of medications or health supplements related to gut health and mood disorders (e.g., antibiotics, laxatives, antidiarrheals, prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, etc.) within 1 month prior to participation in the study.
• • History of significant hypersensitivity to postbiotics or starch.
• • Alcohol addiction, drug abuse, or suspicion of substance misuse.
• • Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• • Any other reasons that the study investigator deems the participant unsuitable for participation.