A practice based trial of a combination of nutritional interventions: probiotics, glutamine and fish oils in patients experiencing psychological distress.

The intervention consisted of 3 nutritionally based supplements or their matched placebos. In this multiple baseline study design participants were randomised into 3 groups based on the duration of their exposure to the verum intervention. Group 1 took 6 weeks of placebos followed by 12 weeks of verum supplements, Group 2 had 8 weeks of placebos followed by 10 weeks of verum supplements and group 3 took placebo for 12 weeks and then 6 weeks of verum supplements. Each participant took two doses of each supplement/placebo supplement each day of the trial. The doseage form and contents of the verum supplements are detailed below per dose. a) Metagenics Ultra Flora Intensive Care (ARTG 286746) 600mg maroon (00 size Vcap with cream coloured powder) clear capsule for oral consumption containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®) (10 x 109CFU), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii) (7.5 x 109 CFU) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis (BB-12®) (5 x 109 CFU). Participants swallowed one capsule of this probiotic supplement morning and evening. b) Metagenics Glutagenics (ARTG 213315) Powder for oral consumption after dissolving in water. Each 4.33g dose contains: Aloe vera 3.25mg/g (equiv. fresh herb 649.35mg/g); Boswellia serrata 19.48mg/g (equiv. fresh herb 194.8mg/g); Cholecalciferol 1.6233mcg/g; Glutamine 285.71mg/g; Larix arabinogalactan 259.74mg/g; Retinol palmitate 178.57mcg/g; Zinc amino acid chelate 9.74mg/g. Participants took one dose: 7.7g (two scoops - scooop included) of this oral powder supplement in 200ml water morning and evening. All practitioner researchers were qualified naturopathic practitioners, apart from one who was a qualified nutritionist. It was beyond the scope of this practitioner reseracher to prescribe herbal medicines so the two participants that she monitored were given the same total daily dose of glutamine (571 mg) as used in the above supplement, encapsulated into 3 opaque capsules which were taken twice a day, by these two participants or a matched placebo. c) Metagenics Metapure EPA/DHA oral liquid (ARTG 227557). Each ml contains: concentrated fish Omega-3 triglycerides 952.38 mg/mL. Participants took 2.1ml twice daily with meals (breakfast and dinner). Supplements were returned at each study clinic and the quantity remaining was rmeasured and recorded by the practitioner reserachers as a) the number of capsules, b) the weight of the powder and c) the volume of the liquid.