At the University of Reading, we’re looking for parents of 3 to 5.5 year olds to take part in a study exploring the effect of a prebiotic fibre supplement on children’s gut bacteria, behaviour and thinking skills.

In our first phase, we explored links between children’s diets, gut bacteria, and behaviour. This second phase builds on that work to test whether adding a daily prebiotic fibre supplement can influence bacteria in the gut and possibly support behaviour and thinking skills.

We are looking for generally healthy children aged 3 to 5.5 years. The study runs over 13 weeks and involves a short online screening questionnaire, two 1 hour visits to the University, two stool samples collected at home and posted using a prepaid kit, and a daily supplement (flavourless/textureless) mixed into your child’s food or drink for 8 weeks.

Families receive £150 on completion.