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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
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Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL9 and Improved Cognitive Function

Research synthesisVery low evidenceSmall effect3 studies · 2 beneficial · 1 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 3 studies, 2 reported small beneficial effects of Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL9 on cognitive function, while 1 study found a neutral effect. The only statistically significant finding came from a low-certainty meta-analysis (MD 4.23 for MMSE), and the evidence base is too small to draw firm conclusions. Effects were predominantly small in magnitude, and no consistent dose or population was identified.

  • Studied populations: individuals over 18 years of age (meta-analysis); older adults with chronic low-grade inflammation (RCT)

Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Only 1 of 3 studies reached statistical significance, suggesting the observed benefit may be inconsistent or smaller than the predominant direction implies. The meta-analysis reported low certainty of evidence, and the neutral RCT did not find significant effects despite a trend. Publication bias cannot be ruled out given the limited number of studies.

Generated Jul 12, 2026
Doses used in studies
  • CFU/day: 1 billion (median 1 billion, IQR 1 billion–1 billion) — 1 study
3 of 3 papers
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