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Abstract

In our previous study, we reported the therapeutic potential of Bifidobacterium breve A1 in preventing cognitive impairment in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and participants with mild cognitive impairment; we suggested that probiotic supplementation is an effective therapeutic strategy for managing cognitive function. Accordingly, we conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess whether 12-week B. breve A1 supplementation could affect the cognitive function of elderly subjects with memory complaints. We assessed cognitive function using the Japanese version of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at baseline and after 12 weeks of probiotic supplementation. A total of 121 participants were randomised and received B. breve A1 capsules or placebo daily for 12 weeks; of these, 117 participants completed the study. At 12 weeks, neuropsychological test scores significantly increased in both groups; no significant intergroup difference was observed in terms of changes in scores from the baseline scores. However, a stratified analysis revealed a significant difference between B. breve A1 and placebo groups in terms of the subscale 'immediate memory' of RBANS and MMSE total score in the subjects with low RBANS total score at baseline. No significant differences in terms of blood parameters between the groups or adverse effects caused by B. breve A1 intervention were observed. The results of the present study suggest the safety of B. breve A1 supplementation and its potential in maintaining cognitive function in elderly subjects with memory complaints. However, future large-scale studies on individuals with impaired cognitive function are required to validate the present findings.

Keywords: cognitive function; mild cognitive impairment; probiotic supplementation.

Research Insights

SupplementHealth OutcomeEffect TypeEffect Size
Bifidobacterium breveImproved Immediate MemoryBeneficial
Moderate
Bifidobacterium breveNo Significant Cognitive ImprovementNeutral
Small
Bifidobacterium breve Bb-03Improved Cognitive FunctionBeneficial
Small
Bifidobacterium breve BBr60Maintained Cognitive FunctionBeneficial
Small
Bifidobacterium breve Bbr8Improved Cognitive FunctionBeneficial
Small
Bifidobacterium breve Bbr8Improved Immediate MemoryBeneficial
Moderate
Bifidobacterium breve Bbr8No Adverse Health EffectsNeutral
Large
Bifidobacterium breve Bbr8No Significant Cognitive ImprovementNeutral
Small
Bifidobacterium breve BR-03Improved Immediate MemoryBeneficial
Moderate
Bifidobacterium breve BR-03Maintained Cognitive FunctionBeneficial
Small
Bifidobacterium breve BR03Improved Immediate MemoryBeneficial
Moderate
Bifidobacterium breve BR03Improved MMSE ScoreBeneficial
Moderate
Bifidobacterium breve BR03Maintained Cognitive FunctionBeneficial
Small
Bifidobacterium breve BR03No Difference in Overall Cognitive ScoresNeutral
Small
Bifidobacterium breve IDCC 4401Improved Immediate MemoryBeneficial
Moderate
Bifidobacterium breve IDCC 4401Improved MMSE ScoreBeneficial
Moderate
Bifidobacterium breve IDCC 4401Maintained Cognitive FunctionBeneficial
Small
Bifidobacterium breve IDCC 4401No Adverse Health EffectsNeutral
Large
Bifidobacterium breve MAK40B22BImproved Cognitive FunctionBeneficial
Small
Bifidobacterium breve R0070Improved Immediate MemoryBeneficial
Moderate
Bifidobacterium breve R0070Maintained Cognitive FunctionBeneficial
Small
Bifidobacterium breve Rosell-70Improved Immediate MemoryBeneficial
Moderate
Bifidobacterium breve Rosell-70Maintained Cognitive FunctionBeneficial
Small
Bifidobacterium breve SD5206Improved Cognitive FunctionBeneficial
Small
Bifidobacterium breve SD5206Safety of Probiotic SupplementationNeutral
Moderate
Bifidobacterium breve UABbr-11Improved Immediate MemoryBeneficial
Moderate
Bifidobacterium breve UABbr-11Maintained Cognitive FunctionBeneficial
Small
Bifidobacterium breve VPro 52Improved Immediate MemoryBeneficial
Moderate
Bifidobacterium breve VPro 52Maintained or Improved Cognitive FunctionBeneficial
Moderate
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