The Effects of Prebiotics on Cognitive Functioning and Weight Gain in Psychosis

Bimuno (BGOS): The active supplement of the food supplement (Bimuno) used in this study is called galacto-oliogosaccharides (Bimuno®, BGOS). BGOS is a compound metabolised by specific bifidobacteria, which are beneficial bacteria, in our colon. Bimuno (2.3 calories) is composed by the following ingredients per gram of Bimuno: 0.96g dry matter; \<01g Fat; \<0.06g Protein; 0.821g GOS; 0.119g Lactose; 0.0331g Glucose and 0.0029g Galactose. Bimuno is tasteless. Bimuno will be supplied in coded sachets (3.5g) for dispensing by parents. Each participant will be required to consume 1 sachet daily during breakfast, by mixing it with food or in a drink.

Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide in powder form, which grows most bacteria in the gut, and not specifically the beneficial bifidobacteria. The placebo will also be provided in daily coded sachets (3.5g) for dispensing by parents. Each participant will be required to consume 1 sachet daily during breakfast, by mixing it with food or in a drink. This placebo has been used in previous studies, in which Bimuno was used as the active intervention. The placebo will be similar in taste and colour to the active intervention.