Abstract: A method of improving mood, improving coping with stress, improving metabolism, and/or improving immune system function including administering of an amount of tributyrin to or by a subject sufficient to release at least a portion of butyrate from the administered amount in the small intestine of the subject to improve a mood, improve a coping with stress, improve a metabolism and/or improve an immune system function of the subject. A method of improving mood, improving coping with stress, improving metabolism, and/or improving immune system function including administering of an amount of tributyrin to or by a subject sufficient to release a first portion of butyrate from the administered amount in the small intestine of the subject and a second portion of butyrate in the colon to improve mood, improve coping with stress, improve a metabolism and/or improve an immune system function of the subject.

Abstract: A composition and a method for improving mood, particularly reducing stress, anxiety and/or depression including administering a composition including at least two prebiotics selected from a source of pectin, a source of beta-glucan, a source of xylooligosaccharide and Ashwagandha. The composition may be in the form of a supplement that is added to a diet (supplements a normal human diet). The composition includes the at least two prebiotics in an amount to increase production of (A) tryptophan or (B) tryptophan and/or at least one of (i) indole, (ii) an indole derivative, (iii) 2,3-pyridinecarboxylic acid (iv) 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid and (v) a short chain fatty acid or (C) any other metabolite (e.g., dopamine, serotonin, GABA) relevant to (eg. benefitting) brain health such as improving mood.