In partnership with the University of Reading, Winclove Probiotics, has made exciting progress in understanding how probiotics can support brain health. Here’s an overview of the latest study exploring the cognitive benefits of Winclove’s premium probiotic formula, Ecologic® Barrier, for healthy ageing adults.
Ageing in relation to cognition and mood
As people age, it’s normal for their cognitive abilities to slow down and to become more prone to feeling depressed, even if they don’t have a diagnosed mental health condition. Probiotics have been shown to improve cognitive function and vulnerability for depression in healthy and affected groups. Conversely, the effects on healthy older adults who may be at risk for mild cognitive decline are still not well understood. This recent study investigated both the short-term and long-term effects of Ecologic® Barrier on cognition and vulnerability for depression in this population.
Study design
This study was carried out as a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial with 30 healthy older adults. It evaluated the effects of taking a single dose of Ecologic® Barrier as well as taking the supplement daily for eight weeks. The researchers assessed cognitive functions, including verbal memory, the ability to hold and manipulate information about the positions and relationships of objects in space (spatial working memory) and executive functioning, the mental skills needed for planning, decision-making, and controlling impulses. They also measured aspects of mental health such as stress, anxiety, and vulnerability to depression. The researchers collected stool samples before and after the eight-week intervention period to monitor potential changes in gut microbiota.
Acute and chronic effects on cognitive performance
After a single dose of Ecologic® Barrier, participants showed faster reaction times on tasks involving cognitive function. This suggests that Ecologic® Barrier may offer immediate cognitive benefits, especially in tasks that require quick decision-making and mental flexibility.
Over eight weeks, regular supplementation with Ecologic® Barrier appeared to help participants perform better on tasks that required higher levels of mental effort. This aligns with previous research indicating that probiotics could have a beneficial impact on decision making, where cognitive control plays an important role. (Dantas et al.)(, and working memory under stress (Papalini et al.)). Although some placebo effects were noted, the improvement in cognitive function is meaningful, as these skills are crucial for daily challenges and independence in older adults.
Positive influence on mental health/well-being
After 8 weeks of taking the probiotic supplement, participants reported fewer aggressive thoughts and a tendency toward reduced feelings of hopelessness in the context of feeling sad, compared to those who took the placebo. Reduction in such thought patterns when feeling sad are associated with a lower risk of depression. These findings align with previous research, suggesting that Ecologic® Barrier may positively influence cognitive reactivity to sadness, an important indicator of mental well-being and vulnerability for depression in older adults.(Chahwan, Steenbergen)
Growth of Lactococcus in gut microbiota
The study also found a potential benefit in the growth of the gut bacteria genus Lactococcus following regular Ecologic® Barrier intake. These findings point to a potential connection between probiotic supplementation and a healthier gut environment, which could contribute to the cognitive benefits observed.
Ecologic® Barrier may have cognitive and mental health/well-being benefits
While this study provides promising insights into the benefits of Ecologic® Barrier, a few limitations should be noted. In some of the cognitive tasks, a placebo effect was observed, calling for replication of particularly the beneficial short-term effects of Ecologic® Barrier in future studies. Despite these limitations, this research indicates that Ecologic® Barrier may improve reaction times during cognitive tasks already after a single dose and provide lasting cognitive support with consistent use. These findings confirm the potential of Ecologic® Barrier to serve as a proactive approach to brain health for older adults. More studies are needed to replicate these findings in a larger group of healthy individuals for accurately understanding the effects of probiotic treatments.
