CompletedInterventional

Effects of short-term consumption of retail-available fermented foods on cognition, mood, and the gut microbiome: an exploratory pilot study.

This study explores how common fermented foods, like yoghurt or kimchi, might affect the brain and gut in healthy adults. It aims to understand if eating these foods for a short time can improve mood, reduce stress, and help with thinking skills. Researchers will look at changes in gut bacteria through stool samples and measure participants' emotional well-being and brain function. Many scientists believe fermented foods are important for our diet, and this research could help create personalised eating advice for a healthy gut and mind. It's a pilot study, meaning it's an early step to gather information for future, larger research.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

London South Bank University

Enrolment target

Start

02 Oct 2019

Estimated completion

02 Feb 2020

No health conditions, healthy cohort only, not obese.

What is this study about?

This research wants to find out if eating everyday fermented foods, like certain yoghurts or pickled vegetables, can make a difference to our health, specifically how we think and feel, and the bugs living in our gut. We know that many people already eat fermented foods regularly, and these foods can change the types of good bacteria in our stomachs and intestines. These tiny bacteria play a big part in many body functions, including how our brain works.

The study will check a few things: how participants' moods are, whether they feel stressed or anxious, and how well they can focus and think clearly. It will also look at samples of their poo to understand the health and function of their gut. The information gathered here could be really important because many experts believe fermented foods should be a key part of our diet. This study hopes to help us understand how these foods can support a healthy brain and gut.

Ultimately, this research could pave the way for advice on what we eat to help keep our brains and guts in good shape. It's an exploratory pilot study, meaning it's a first step to see what might be happening before bigger studies are done.

Key takeaways

Study looks at how common fermented foods affect mood, thinking, and gut health.
Participation involves special diet for 30 days and a few visits to London South Bank University.
You'll provide stool samples and complete tasks on mood and thinking.
Potential benefits include learning about your gut health; risks include minor digestive changes.
This is a pilot study, gathering early information for future research.
Healthy adults aged 18-55 wanted, no current antibiotics or certain health conditions.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be a healthy adult aged between 18 and 55. Your body mass index (BMI) should be between 18.5 and 29.9, which is considered a healthy weight range.

There are a few health conditions or situations that would mean you can't join. For example, if you've recently taken antibiotics (within the last two weeks), or if you're taking any regular prescription medicines or probiotic supplements, you wouldn't be able to participate. You also can't have certain health issues like inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn's or colitis), a history of migraines or cancer, or a known allergy to histamine or cow's milk. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with a mental health condition or a diet that excludes dairy or fermented foods due to intolerance, also cannot take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 55 years old?
Is your BMI between 18.5 and 29.9?
Have you avoided antibiotics for at least the last two weeks?
Do you have any severe allergies (like histamine or cow's milk) or a history of migraines or cancer?
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding, or do you have inflammatory bowel disease or a mental health condition?
Are you taking any regular prescription medications or probiotic supplements?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be placed into one of two groups by chance: either you'll eat fermented foods, or you'll be in a group that doesn't for the study period. If you're in the fermented food group, you'll need to eat specific fermented foods provided to you every day for 30 days.

Everyone will need to visit London South Bank University (LSBU) 3 or 4 times. These visits will involve computer and paper-based tasks exploring your mood and thinking, lasting about 30 to 60 minutes each. You'll also be asked to collect two stool (poo) samples at home using a special kit, over a total of three days each time. Before the study, you'll record everything you eat for 7 days. At the end, as a thank you, the control group will receive some fermented foods, and all participants will get a £30 Amazon voucher. The total study duration, including the 30 days of eating the foods (if in that group) and visits, is about a month.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you might learn more about your gut health and potentially see improvements in your overall health. You can also choose to receive a report on your gut health markers after the study. However, there are some potential downsides. You might notice changes in your bowel habits, such as more frequent trips to the toilet or different stool consistency, and you might experience more wind. There's also a small chance that the gut health tests could show something you weren't aware of, which might be upsetting. If this happens, it would be discussed with you privately, and you'd be advised to talk to your doctor. Some of the questionnaires about your feelings might also be a bit challenging. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time.

Locations (1)

London South Bank University
Approximate
London, England

Common questions

What kind of fermented foods will I be eating?

The study will provide common, everyday fermented foods. You'll be given a portion size that you would typically eat, like a small pot of yoghurt.

Do I need to pay for anything?

No, all the fermented foods, test kits, and any travel expenses (if applicable, please check with the research team) are covered by the study.

How long will each visit to the university take?

The first and third visits will be about 30 minutes, while the second and fourth visits will be around an hour each.

Will I find out my personal results?

Yes, if you agree, you can receive a report on your gut health test results after the study is complete. You will also get a £30 Amazon voucher for completing the study.

What if I feel unwell during the study?

If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, you should inform the study team immediately. You can also withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

How to find out more

Adri Bester

bestera@lsbu.ac.uk +44 07951341530 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.