Project 'Oh My Gut': Reducing stress through nutrition and the gut microbiome

Mental health is a major societal concern. At the same time, scientific evidence increasingly shows that the gut and the brain continuously communicate through the so-called gut–brain axis. This communication takes place through neural pathways, hormones, the immune system and the gut microbiome.

Although we know that dietary components such as fibre, prebiotics and probiotics can influence the gut microbiome, we know far less about whether these changes also lead to improvements in mental health. A significant knowledge gap remains, particularly regarding stress regulation. Furthermore, it is difficult to study the gut-brain axis in humans; after all, researchers cannot directly measure how the gut and brain communicate with each other. Reliable biomarkers and measurement methods are therefore urgently needed.

Oh My Gut addresses a central question: can dietary supplements help reduce stress through their effects on the gut microbiome?

To answer this question, Oh My Gut is conducting one of the largest studies in this field. Over two hundred participants aged between 25 and 40 are taking part in a six-week intervention study. This age group typically experiences elevated stress levels due to major life changes such as work, relationships and starting a family. Participants receive either a placebo or one of five supplements based on prebiotics, probiotics or postbiotics for six weeks. The aim is not to compare the supplements with one another, but to determine whether they perform better than a placebo.

What makes this study unique is its extensive range of measurement methods. Researchers assess both subjective and objective indicators of stress. They use questionnaires, acute stress tests, cortisol measurements and wearable sensors that continuously monitor changes in heart rate variability. In addition, researchers collect stool, saliva and other biological samples from the participants to track changes in the microbiome and metabolism.

The project builds on the Healthy Brain Study conducted by the Donders Institute, in which researchers previously explored associations between stress, nutrition and the gut microbiome. Oh My Gut adds a nutritional intervention, enabling researchers not only to observe relationships but also to investigate potential causal effects.

The project aims to provide important new insights into the role of nutrition in stress regulation. By investigating several types of supplements within a single study, researchers will create a unique overview of their potential effects on stress, gut health and the microbiome. Oh My Gut also contributes to the development of new methods for studying the gut–brain axis. Researchers use innovative techniques to monitor stress and health in a non-invasive or minimally invasive way, including saliva analyses, wearables and home-based measurements.

This knowledge may provide the foundation for future food products, dietary supplements and personalised health solutions that help people manage stress more effectively.

Many people experience stress in their daily lives. Given the likely connection between gut health and stress, nutrition may help support and influence the microbiome in beneficial ways. However, people often find it difficult to maintain long-term dietary or lifestyle changes. Dietary supplements could therefore play a supportive role in stress management, helping people gain greater control over their mental wellbeing.

For the food and supplement industry, the project provides scientific evidence to support products that address growing interest in mental health. In addition, Oh My Gut generates new knowledge about the gut–brain axis and the role that nutrition may play within it. In doing so, the project contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition, gut health and mental resilience.

Oh My Gut brings together experts in nutrition, gut health, microbiology, mental health and human intervention studies. WUR works closely with the Donders Institute at Radboud University Medical Center, which contributes expertise in stress research and cognitive neuroscience.

The project also involves several industrial partners that provide supplements, microbial analyses and innovative measurement technologies. Our partners are: Donders Institute (Radboud University Medical Center), FrieslandCampina, Danone, Ingredion, Tate & Lyle, ANI.AI, Maven Health and MyMicroZoo.