Study procedures and randomization
Depression
COMPLICATIONS
Due to the fact that we could not recruit enough participants through flyers and advertising, the researcher attended the hospital where the sampling took place, and interviewed the eligible participants, who were referred to the researcher by the practitioners according to the inclusion criteria. After explaining the aims and circumstances of the trial, eligible patients who opted for participation were asked to sign a written informed consent. Baseline data including demographics, anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and questionnaires including Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) were collected. They were then asked to refer to the hospital’s laboratory for the blood sample collection (the same day if they were fast for 8–12 hours, and if not, the day after, before taking the supplements) (protocol amendment). This process was repeated after 10 weeks of supplementation.Details on randomization is reported in the published protocol of this trial [All participants received a box of capsules (synbiotic or placebo) at first visit based on randomization. The researcher also educated the participants on the time and amount of supplement intake (1 capsule daily after lunch or dinner), as well as possible complications. Dietary and physical activity recommendations were also provided (details available in the protocol [