Probiotic May Provide Brain Health Benefits
Recent research has suggested that the anti-inflammatory properties of probiotics may help support brain health. A new study has found that the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum may provide brain health benefits.
Participants in the study included 78 adults over the age of 65 with declining memory. Half received 5 billion CFUs of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum OLL2712 daily for 12 weeks. The other half received a placebo. The researchers evaluated memory function using a computer-assisted cognitive test called Cognitrax. Gut microbiota composition was assessed at baseline and at the end of the study period.
Participants in the probiotic group saw significant improvements in composite memory and visual memory scores compared to the placebo group. They also had a lower abundance ratio of Lachnoclostridium, Monoglobus, and Oscillibacter genera, which have been associated with inflammation.
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Tokyo. It was published online ahead of print on October 14, 2022 in the journal Nutrients.
Creatine was found to provide brain health benefits in a previous study.