LONDON (IT BOLTWISE) – A new meta-analysis shows that probiotics may provide cognitive benefits, particularly for older adults. The study highlights that ingesting these live bacteria can improve memory and processing speed, indicating an important link between gut health and brain function.
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Recent research suggests that probiotics containing live bacteria may provide cognitive benefits, particularly for older adults. These bacteria, often found in supplements, could improve memory, processing speed and spatial reasoning. The study in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition published examines the relationship between gut health and brain function.
As people age, many people experience a decline in their cognitive abilities, which can manifest as memory problems and a shorter attention span. If this decline exceeds normal levels, it could indicate neurodegenerative diseases. With a prediction that 152 million people worldwide could be living with dementia by 2050, researchers are looking for accessible strategies to support brain health.
An area of intense research is the connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis. This theory suggests that the trillions of microorganisms in the human digestive system can influence neurological activities. Previous studies have shown that the composition of gut bacteria often changes in people with neurological disorders.
The meta-analysis by HanQing Guo and his team from Ningxia Medical University in China examined whether the effect of probiotics on brain function is age-dependent. Researchers analyzed data from 21 randomized controlled trials that included a wide range of participants, from premature babies to adults over 90 years old. The results showed that the cognitive benefits of probiotics were most pronounced in older adults.
The study found that probiotics can specifically improve delayed memory and processing speed in older adults. These cognitive abilities are crucial for daily life and the completion of complex tasks. The researchers emphasized that continuous intake of approximately 20 billion colony-forming units per day for 12 weeks is necessary to achieve significant improvements.
For younger adults and children, the results were less clear. While children were found to improve in executive functions, young adults only showed improvement in verbal skills. This suggests that a healthy, fully developed brain may be less sensitive to the cognition-enhancing effects of probiotics.
The researchers suspect that the positive effects of probiotics may be due to the reduction of inflammation and the production of neurotransmitters. Chronic inflammation is a known contributor to neuronal damage and cognitive decline. Probiotics could modulate the immune system and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory markers, creating a healthier environment for brain cells.
Despite the promising results, there are some limitations to the study. The number of high-quality studies is still relatively small, and there are significant differences in the probiotic strains and dosages used. Future research is needed to validate these results over longer periods of time and to examine how individual differences influence response to probiotics.
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