RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

BALANCE Study: Beneficial Effects of A Diverse Prebiotic Fibre bLend on Affect, iNflammation, Cognition, and the Gut microbiomE

This study, called the BALANCE Study, is exploring if a special powdered mix of natural fibres, known as prebiotics, can help reduce stress in healthy adults who experience mild to severe stress. We know that the tiny bugs in our gut (the microbiome) can affect how we feel, including our stress levels. This research aims to understand if adding certain fibres to our diet can improve our mood, reduce inflammation, and even influence how our gut and brain communicate. Participants will take either the fibre blend or a dummy powder, and researchers will check for changes in stress, mood, and gut health over time. It's about finding natural ways to support our well-being.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Myota GmbH

Enrolment target

120

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2028

Stress

What is this study about?

You know that feeling of being stressed? It's really common and can affect us in many ways. This study is called the BALANCE Study, and it's looking into how a special kind of natural fibre, called a prebiotic, might help people who are feeling stressed. Prebiotics are like food for the good bacteria in your gut, and there's a growing idea that these gut bacteria can talk to your brain and affect your mood and how you handle stress.

When we're stressed for a long time, even if we're otherwise healthy, it can cause physical changes in our bodies, like increased stress hormones and some low-level inflammation. Scientists are beginning to understand that the health of our gut can play a big part in these changes. So, this study wants to see if taking a powdered prebiotic fibre blend can make a positive difference.

The main goal of this research is to find out if this fibre blend can lower stress levels. But the researchers also want to explore other benefits. They'll be checking to see if the fibre can improve mood, reduce worry, help with thinking clearly, calm down inflammation in the body, and even change the types of bacteria living in the gut. It's all about understanding how supporting our gut health might lead to better overall well-being.

Key takeaways

Investigating how specific fibre blends may reduce stress.
Focuses on the link between gut health and brain function.
Open to healthy adults aged 18-50 experiencing stress.
Compares a fibre blend against a dummy powder.
Aims to improve mood, gut health, and reduce inflammation.
Your participation could help advance our understanding of natural stress relief.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthy adult between 18 and 50 years old. You should feel stressed, scoring between 15 and 33 on a common stress questionnaire. It's also important that you can understand what the study involves and are happy to follow all the instructions and attend any necessary appointments.

However, there are several reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you smoke, have certain food allergies, or have conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or serious mental health issues. If you've been diagnosed with depression in the last six months, or are currently taking certain medicines like those for cholesterol, blood pressure, depression, or anxiety, you won't be able to join. Also, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant, or if you're going through menopause, you won't be eligible.

You also can't participate if you’ve had cancer recently, have certain gut conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, or if you regularly use antibiotics, weight-loss drugs, or other prebiotic or probiotic supplements. If you've made big changes to your diet recently, or follow a very restricted diet like vegan or keto, or already eat a lot of fibre, this study might not be suitable for you.

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 50 years old?
Do you often feel stressed (you'd score between 15-33 on a stress questionnaire)?
Do you avoid smoking and have no known food allergies?
Are you free from conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or serious mental health issues?
Are you currently not taking certain medications (e.g., for cholesterol, mental health, or birth control hormones)?
Are you not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be pregnant during the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be given a powdered supplement to take. Some participants will receive the special fibre blend, while others will get a 'dummy' powder (a placebo) that looks and tastes the same but has no active ingredients. This helps researchers compare the effects accurately. You won't know which one you're taking. The study will involve regular assessments to check your stress levels, mood, and other aspects of your health. This might include filling out questionnaires, providing samples, and attending study visits. The total duration of your involvement will be explained in detail before you agree to participate.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help reduce your stress levels and improve your overall well-being through supporting your gut health. You'll also be contributing to important scientific knowledge about the connection between our gut and our brain. As with any study, there could be some minor risks, such as mild stomach upset from the fibre, but these will be fully explained. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

BALANCE Study Site
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a prebiotic fibre blend?

It's a mix of special natural fibres that act as food for the good bacteria in your gut. These bacteria are important for your digestive health and can influence other parts of your body, including your brain.

What does 'mild-severe stress levels' mean?

It means you're experiencing noticeable stress in your daily life, but it doesn't mean you have a diagnosed mental health condition. The study uses a special questionnaire to measure your stress levels.

Will I know if I'm taking the real fibre or the dummy powder?

No, this is a 'blinded' study. To make sure the results are fair, neither you nor the researchers will know who is getting the fibre and who is getting the dummy powder until the study is over.

What other health areas will the study look at?

Besides stress, researchers will also check for changes in your overall mood, anxiety levels, how well you think (cognition), signs of inflammation in your body, and the balance of bacteria in your gut.

What is the 'gut microbiome'?

This refers to the trillions of tiny bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live inside your intestines. They play a huge role in your health, from digesting food to influencing your immune system and even your mood.

How to find out more

Thomas Gurry, PhD

thomas@myotahealth.com 797908227 Official trial record

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