Probiotics for Anxiety Study

This study aims to observe the effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum VDL815 formulated into a probiotic capsule in individuals with mild to moderate anxiety to serve as a pilot exploration of potential health benefits and dosing. Participants will complete up to a 16-week study consisting of a screening period, randomization and shipping period, a baseline period, a 6-week product/placebo use period and an optional 4-week open label extension. The rationale for this study is to observe the effect of 2 different doses of a consumer-grade probiotic capsule called GABA Probiotic on anxiety in individuals with mild to moderate anxiety. Additionally, the study aims to observe the effects of the probiotic product on mood, cognition, quality of life, and sleep disturbance. A consumer-driven, decentralized observational clinical research study is well-suited for examining the effect of this probiotic on anxiety. Anxiety is highly prevalent and impacted by many interdependent variables. We will examine self-reported anxiety in a broad age-range of adults who have chosen to try this product. The study will incorporate participant reported outcome questionnaires and surveys and the use of a health tracking wearable device to explore objective digital outcome measures of sleep and heart rate variability. There is no "doctor-patient" relationship as part of this research since the participant as a consumer is making the informed choice to take the product and take part in the observational process with self-reported measures. Findings from this study will contribute knowledge toward the dosing and formulation of the probiotic product and the design of future studies.