Evaluation of Gut-Related Well-Being and Mood Effects of a Daily Nutritional Food Ingredient From the Co-Fermentation of Fungal Mycelium (Pleurotus Pulmonarius) and Microalgae (Chlorella Vulgaris)

This study is a 30-day, two-arm, open-label dietary intervention designed to evaluate the effects of a daily nutritional food ingredient on gastrointestinal well-being and mood in generally healthy adults experiencing minor, non-clinical gastrointestinal discomfort. The investigational product is a powdered food ingredient derived from the co-fermentation of fungal mycelium (Pleurotus pulmonarius) and microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris), blended with bamboo fiber and flavoring components for palatability. The product is food-grade, manufactured under cGMP conditions, and supported by a self-declared GRAS safety dossier. The study will enroll a total of 80 adult participants (aged 18-65) in the United States using a fully remote, decentralized design conducted through the Alethios digital research platform.

Participants who meet eligibility criteria will be randomly assigned in an unbalanced allocation to one of two fixed-dose intervention groups: a high-dose arm receiving 4,000 mg/day of the active blend (n=50) or a low-dose arm receiving 600 mg/day (n=30). All participants will consume the assigned product once daily for 30 days by mixing the powder into a beverage of their choice. No placebo group is included, as the primary objective is to explore dose-related effects rather than to compare against no treatment. The study involves no invasive procedures, clinical visits, laboratory testing, or biological sample collection, and participants may continue their usual diet and daily activities throughout the study period.

Study outcomes will be assessed using validated, self-reported questionnaires administered electronically at three time points: baseline (Day 0), mid-intervention (Day 15), and end of study (Day 30). The primary outcome is change in gastrointestinal symptom severity, measured by the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Secondary outcomes include changes in mood and psychological well-being, assessed using the Profile of Mood States-2 Short Form (POMS-2-SF), as well as changes in GSRS subscale scores. Exploratory analyses will compare effect sizes between the two dose levels to assess potential dose-response relationships. Participant burden is minimal, with an estimated total time commitment of approximately 90 minutes over the entire study.

The study is classified as minimal risk, with anticipated risks limited to mild and transient gastrointestinal symptoms or rare allergic reactions consistent with the introduction of new dietary ingredients. Safety monitoring is conducted through daily self-report check-ins and adverse event reporting within the digital platform, with automated alerts to study staff as needed. Participants may withdraw at any time without penalty. Collectively, the study is designed to generate preliminary human evidence on the safety, tolerability, and potential benefits of the investigational food ingredient for gastrointestinal comfort and overall well-being in a mildly symptomatic, otherwise healthy adult population, providing a strong scientific rationale for future research.

Inclusion criteria

Adults aged 18 years or older

Generally healthy individuals

Experience minor, non-clinical gastrointestinal discomfort at least twice per week for ≥3 months

Willing to consume the study product once daily for 30 days

Able to dissolve and consume the powdered product in a beverage

Able to read, understand, and complete electronic questionnaires in English

Access to a smartphone or computer for study participation

Provide electronic informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosed gastrointestinal disease (e.g., IBS, IBD, GERD requiring medication)

Use of medications affecting gastrointestinal function or mood within the past 30 days

Initiation of new gut-, immune-, or mood-related supplements within 15 days prior to study start

Known allergy or sensitivity to study product components

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Major chronic medical condition that could interfere with study participation or data interpretation

Participation in another interventional clinical study within the past 30 days

Inability or unwillingness to comply with study procedures