In modern life, many people state to experience stress. Women compared to men report more and higher levels of stress. Recent research found that supplementation of galactose-oligosaccharides (GOS) resulted in reduced anxiety levels in British female students with higher anxiety scores at baseline in self-reported trait anxiety. Moreover, supplementation of probiotics in germ-free rodents resulted in reduced levels of circulating corticosterone (cortisol in humans). These findings illustrate the potential of prebiotic supplementation, through the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis, to improve mental health and wellbeing.

The present study aims to study the effect of oligosaccharides on self-perceived stress.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Apparently healthy women
• Moderate or high stress level; DASS42 stress sub-score ≥19
• Age between 25 and 45 years
• Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2
• Access to internet and a smart phone

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any metabolic, gastrointestinal, inflammatory or chronic disease
• History of gastro-intestinal surgery or having (serious) gastrointestinal discomfort
• Use of supplement to relief stress during or within 2 weeks prior to the start of the study
• Use of pre- and/or probiotics during the study (except for the study product) or within 4 weeks prior to the start of the study
• Use of medication that may influence the study results, such as laxatives
• Self-reported and/or clinical lactose intolerance
• Self-reported and/or active cow's milk protein allergy
• Pregnant or lactating (or having the wish to become pregnant during the study period, self-reported)
• Having used antibiotics in the 6 months prior to the start of the study