Probiotics May Help Improve Mood and Sleep Quality

According to a new study, supplementation with the probiotic strains Lactobacillus reuteri NK33 and Bifidobacterium adolescentis NK98 may help improve mood, anxiety, and insomnia in healthy adults.

Participants in the study included 156 healthy adults with an average age of 37. They received a supplement containing 500 million CFUs of Lactobacillus reuteri NK33 and 2 billion CFUs of Bifidobacterium adolescentisNK98 or a placebo daily for 8 weeks.

Participants completed the Stress Response Inventory, Beck’s Depression and Anxiety Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Insomnia Severity Index at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Blood levels of inflammatory markers were measured at baseline and at the end of the study period.

Participants in the probiotic group saw a substantial reduction in Stress Response Inventory and Beck’s Depression and Anxiety scores compared to the placebo group. They also saw improvements in sleep quality and a decrease in serum inflammatory markers.

The study was conducted by researchers from Eulji University. It was published online ahead of print on July 30, 2021, in the journal Nutrients.