Impact of a Novel Functional Snack on Perimenopausal Symptoms and Well-being

This study is looking for women aged between 40 and 55 who are going through perimenopause and experiencing symptoms. To check if you qualify, you'll need to score 14 or higher on a special questionnaire about menopause symptoms. You must also have a mobile phone and be able to speak and read English.

There are several reasons why you might not be able to join the study. These include if you already eat a very high amount of fibre, fruit, or vegetables, or drink a lot of coffee or tea daily. Certain allergies or intolerances to common food ingredients like nuts, seeds, gluten, dairy, oats, barley, or soya would also mean you can't take part. If you smoke or vape (or have in the last two years), drink a lot of alcohol, or have certain serious health conditions like diabetes, heart problems, kidney issues, or cancer, this study wouldn't be suitable for you.

Also, if you're taking specific medications like statins (for cholesterol), certain medicines for blood pressure, or long-term medication for glucose management, you wouldn't be eligible. If you've recently taken antibiotics, probiotics, or many vitamin/dietary supplements (within the last month), or if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you won't be able to join. Finally, if you've already taken part in another medical study in the last three months, or if you need hormone replacement therapy, this study isn't for you.

If you join this study, you will eat a snack twice a day for a total of eight weeks. For four weeks, you'll eat either the special snack or a plain oat bar. Then, after a four-week break (called a 'washout' period), you'll switch to the other snack for another four weeks. While taking part, you'll be asked to keep your usual diet and exercise routine and avoid taking any extra probiotics, prebiotics, or supplements rich in plant compounds.

You will need to attend four in-person visits at King's College London. Each visit will take about an hour and will happen at the start of the study, after four weeks, after eight weeks (at the end of your break), and after twelve weeks (at the end of your second snack period).

On the day before each of these visits, you'll have some tasks to complete at home. This includes collecting six saliva samples throughout the day, collecting all your urine over a 24-hour period, and taking a small stool sample. You'll also need to fill out some online questionnaires about your mood, anxiety, and depression. On the morning of your visit, you'll need to have fasted for 12 hours (meaning no food or drink other than water) before you come in.