Prebiotic Effects on Anxiety, Cortisol, and Emotional Processing in Mild-to-Moderately Stressed Adults

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF READING · May 21, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether a prebiotic supplement, called Bimuno®, can help reduce stress and improve mental health in adults who are experiencing mild to moderate stress. Prebiotics are special types of fiber that help good bacteria in the gut grow, and research suggests they may have a positive effect on stress levels and overall wellbeing. Participants in the study will take either the prebiotic or a placebo (a sugar pill) for six weeks. They will also complete some questionnaires and cognitive tests at the beginning and end of the trial and provide saliva samples to measure cortisol, a hormone related to stress.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to be between 25 and 40 years old and show signs of mild to moderate stress. However, certain conditions may exclude individuals, such as recent antibiotic use, current mental health disorders, or specific dietary restrictions. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it provides an opportunity to contribute to research that may help others struggling with stress.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 25-40
• • Mild-to-moderately stressed as per the stress subscale on the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-42)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Antibiotics within 3 months of enrolment
• • Habitual consumption of pre-, pro-, or synbiotics within 3 months of enrolment
• • Diagnosis of a mental health disorder within 6 months of enrolment
• • Use of antidepressant medication within 6 months of enrolment
• • Smoking (defined as having smoked anytime within a month of enrolment
• • Following a vegan diet, or dairy or lactose intolerance
• • Shift workers with unsocial hours
• • Current or historic gastrointestinal disorder, including IBS and IBD
• • Current or historic diagnosis of type 1 or 2 diabetes, or any other metabolic disorder
• • Current or historic diagnosis of any cardiovascular or related disease/illness
• • Current or historic diagnosis of chronic fatigue or cancer
• • Current or historic use of weight-loss drugs
• • Current of historic diagnosis of any disorder affecting cortisol levels, including Cushing's