Adult HMOs

We're launching a study to observe the impact of a prebiotic supplement on the adult gut microbiome.

Your participation could help us explore how human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in the supplement affect gut health. In partnership with Layer Origin, we intend to publish our findings when the study concludes.

Recruitment starts Aug 2024

For Adults 18+ (see criteria) (see criteria)

Location: United States

By Kimberley Sukhum, PhD

Research suggests that HMO supplementation in adults may increase beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are known to selectively promote the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium in infants, establishing an optimal gut microbiome composition and contributing to the development of a robust immune system 1.

Early studies have found that supplementing HMOs in adult diets can impart similar health benefits. Specifically, researchers observed an increase in Bifidobacteria and increased production of Short Chain Fatty Acids, which act to lower inflammation and improve the gut barrier 2.

The goal of this study is to assess the efficacy of HMO supplements on modulating the adult gut microbiome. All participants will take either an HMO supplement or a placebo once daily for 30 days. Each participant will also take a gut microbiome test at the beginning and end of the study.

IRB# 12186

Help to advance research on prebiotic supplements

Get the valuable insights of gut microbiome testing and discover the connection between prebiotic supplements and gut health.

Help us better understand prebiotic supplements and their impact on the gut microbiome.

Am I eligible to participate?

Inclusion criteria

• You may be eligible to participate if you are 18-40 years or older and are a resident of the US with US postal service.

Exclusion criteria

• Participants cannot have taken probiotic or prebiotic supplements in the past 6 months.
• Participants cannot have taken IV or oral antibiotics in the past 8 weeks.
• Participants cannot have the following existing health conditions:
  • Pre-existing gut conditions (IBS, IBD, Celiac's, etc.)
  • Immune or auto-immune conditions (severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)).
• Participants cannot have received results from an at-home microbiome stool test in the past 6 months.
• Participants must not be pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive within the study period.
• Participants cannot be lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy.
• Participants cannot take another prebiotic or probiotic supplement or an at-home microbiome test over the study period.
• Participants must not dramatically change their diet during the study period.

How to join the study

If you are interested, please contact us at [Insert contact details]

About Tiny Health

Tiny Health helps you to optimize your health from within

Tiny Health offers microbiome testing for every stage of life, from womb through adulthood. Tiny Health gives individuals personalized insights and evidence-based recommendations to improve lifelong health from the inside out.

Tiny Health’s mission is to improve health outcomes of future generations through evidence-based insights.

About Layer Origin

Layer Origin may help you restore your gut health at any age with HMO prebiotics

Layer Origin is driven by the belief that we are what we eat. And the food we consume feeds us and the bacteria in our guts. By strategically building the bacterial ecosystem in our gut, we can optimize many aspects of our health at any age. This philosophy drives them in their pursuit to support every layer of our health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost and time commitment?

There is no cost to participation. You must be able to collect and complete a microbiome stool sample, an oral sample, and two online surveys. Collecting a microbiome sample and oral sample can be done on your own time, at home, and should take a few minutes. Each of the surveys can take anywhere between 5-15 minutes to complete, depending on the complexity of your answers.

What do I get for participating?

You will receive $100 in compensation at the end of the study when you have fulfilled all study responsibilities to include mailing two microbiome samples back to our lab and completing both surveys. All study participants will receive their full adult gut microbiome reports, including all evaluations and recommended action plan, approximately 4-6 weeks after the study is complete.

Are there any risks to participating?

Data exposure: Tiny Health will collect personal identification information such as names, emails, addresses, and health information via online surveys. The risk of personal information or microbiome data being exposed is a possibility. To prevent this risk, all personal information is stored in encrypted databases with access limited to dual authentication select employees. Stool samples are de-identified using a kit ID before being sent to partners for DNA extraction and sequencing.

How do we look at the microbiome?

We use shotgun metagenomics, a technology used in microbiome research. Make informed decisions with a comprehensive list of microbes found in your sample. Get actionable advice tailored to your age and unique test results. Our at-home tests empower you with strain-level detail and precision science.