Genetics and the Gut Microbiome

We're launching a study to better understand the connection between your genetics, your gut microbiome, and mental health

Your participation could contribute to science on the potential link between genetics, the gut microbiome, and mental health. In partnership with Neurobiologix, we intend to publish our findings when the study concludes.

Recruitment starts July 2026

For adults ages 18–44 (see criteria) (see criteria)

Location: United States

By Dr. Arbex, PhD

Your gut may shape your mental health.

Many US adults live with mental health conditions, and a growing body of research points to the gut as part of the story. The trillions of microbes in your gut are in constant communication with your brain—a link often called the gut-brain axis.

Here's one key example: about 95% of your body's serotonin—a chemical that helps regulate mood—is made in your gut, not your brain. Your gut microbes help drive this process. When that system is out of balance and tips toward inflammation instead of serotonin, it may play a role in depression and other mood disorders. Your genes matter too: small differences in the genes tied to serotonin and to your gut lining can make these imbalances harder to overcome.

This study explores how your genes and your gut microbiome relate to one another in adults with mental health conditions. You'll fill out a few health questionnaires and collect at-home saliva and stool samples, which we'll analyze for both genetic and microbiome insights.

IRB #16153 By Dr.Arbex, PhD

Help to advance research on genetics, gut health, and mental well-being.

Get the valuable insights of at-home genetic and gut microbiome testing. Help us better understand how your unique biology and gut microbiome impact mental health conditions.

Am I eligible to participate?

Inclusion criteria

• Participants are qualified for this study if they are 18 to 44 years of age at the time of enrollment.
• Participants must be current legal residents of the United States.
• Participants must have a clinical self-report of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or Panic Disorder.

Exclusion criteria

• Participants cannot be taking antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, probiotics, prebiotics, laxatives, strong anti-inflammatories, high-dose Omega-3, or weight-loss medications.
• Participants must be residents of the United States with US postal service.
• Participants cannot have the following existing health conditions:
  • Chronic gut conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis), Celiac Disease, or a history of major gastric/intestinal resection.
  • Active cancer.
  • Current pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How to join the study

If you're interested, complete the Eligibility Screening Questionnaire below. Qualified participants will receive an email confirmation with an online consent form to sign, followed by instructions to complete enrollment.

Neurobiologix and Tiny Health Bundle

$349

Retail Value of $649 (a $300 savings)

1x Mess-free Tiny Health Gut Microbiome stool test to further understand how gut health relates to mental health

• Track essential bacteria that support gut health, metabolic health and fight inflammation
• Gut Health Report with personalized recommendations (delivered in 2-3 weeks)

1x GenePro test

• This information provides insights into their unique genetic profile, which may be used to inform personalized health strategies in consultation with their physicians.
• Personalized results (delivered in 4-8 weeks)

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 Neurobiologix

Targeted nutrition guided by the science of your genes

At Neurobiologix, we believe better health begins with better understanding. Through advanced genetic insights and biological intelligence, we help uncover the unique factors that influence how your body functions. Our mission is to transform complex science into personalized, actionable insights that empower you to take a more informed and proactive approach to your health.

Interested? Join this study

If you are interested, please complete the survey. Qualified individuals will be contacted by the study coordinator to provide consent and enroll in the study.