A study in youth aged 12–17 is studying the effects of gut bacteria on thoughts and behaviours

Have you ever wondered how the foods you eat and the bacteria in your gut impact your thoughts and behaviours? A study at the University of Calgary is working to explore just that.

Individuals ages 12-17 are being sought for a study comparing nutritional and microbiota differences between youth with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and without OCD. This means that we need youth who have a diagnosis of OCD, as well as youth who have no history of psychiatric conditions and no other long-term health issues.

Participants are asked to speak with a researcher about their health, complete self-report questionnaires and a 3-day food log, and provide a blood sample, hair sample, and stool sample.

Participants with OCD will be given the option of enrolling in an 8-week intervention to test the effects of a provided prebiotic (fibre) supplement on their microbiota and their OCD symptoms.

All participants will receive a $25 gift card of their choosing (with an additional $25 if participating in the 8-week trial). Parking during study appointments is paid for.

For more information, please contact Emily Macphail at ecmmacph@ucalgary.ca.