Probiotic Form Impacts Brain Health: New Research on Gut-Brain Axis

How you consume probiotics – whether encapsulated or in powder form – can significantly influence their impact on brain health, according to new research from Örebro University in Sweden. The study highlights the potential for personalized probiotic approaches, tailored to address specific cognitive or mental health needs.

The Gut-Brain Connection: A Growing Field of Study

The bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis, is gaining increasing attention from researchers. A 2021 survey by FMCG Gurus revealed that 45% of consumers associate probiotics with cognitive health [1]. This axis involves the ability of specific probiotic strains to produce key neurotransmitters like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, or their precursors.

Study Details: Encapsulation vs. Non-Encapsulated Probiotics

Researchers at Örebro University conducted a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 87 community-dwelling adults aged 60-80. Participants received either micro-encapsulated or non-encapsulated Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001, or a placebo, for six weeks [4]. The interventions were provided by AnaBio Technologies, utilizing a food-grade plant-based protein coating for micro-encapsulation designed to protect the bacteria in the stomach and enable sustained release in the gut [1].

Key Findings: Different Forms, Different Benefits

The study revealed distinct effects on brain connectivity and grey matter volume depending on the probiotic form. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) was used to assess these impacts [1]:

• Encapsulated Probiotics: Demonstrated effects on cognition, including memory, concentration, attention, and orientation [1].
• Non-Encapsulated Probiotics: Showed a greater impact on mental health, potentially influencing low mood, anxiety, and depression [1].

Researchers observed significant differences in resting-state functional connectivity in brain regions involved in visual processing and perception between the two probiotic groups [4]. While brain morphometry wasn’t altered, processing speed showed significant time-group effects, with non-significant effects observed for short-term memory and anxiety symptoms [4].

Implications for Personalized Probiotic Use

“Personally, I didn’t think it would make much difference how we consume probiotics. Our study shows that memory and concentration can change if the probiotic powder is encapsulated, whereas powder that is not encapsulated has a greater effect on mental health, such as anxiety, depression and similar conditions,” says Julia Rode, researcher in biomedicine at Örebro University [1]. The findings suggest that the form of probiotic delivery should be considered based on individual health goals.

“With data from this study, we can hopefully contribute further to our understanding of how probiotics can be consumed, for example, to cope with stressful periods,” adds Rode [1].

Future Research

This study represents the first investigation into the effects of probiotics on brain function in healthy older adults using neuroimaging techniques, including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to assess neurotransmitter levels [1]. Further research is needed to explore the optimal probiotic formulations and delivery methods for various cognitive and mental health conditions.