Micro-encapsulation differentially impacts probiotic effects on brain structure and function in an elderly population - A randomised placebo-controlled trial.
- 2025-11
- Brain, behavior, and immunity 130
- Julia Rode
- Ashley N Hutchinson
- Myrto S Chatzopoulou
- Sinéad B Bleiel
- Rediet Fikru Gebresenbet
- Linda Andersson
- Jonas Persson
- Romain Daillère
- Benoît Beitz
- Bouthaina Ben Abdallah
- Lina Tingö
- Cecilia Bergh
- Robert J Brummer
- PubMed: 40976401
- DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2025.106113
Study Design
- Type
- Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
- Population
- 87 community-dwelling elderly (60-80 years)
- Methods
- Double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled study comparing micro-encapsulated and non-encapsulated Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001
- Blinding
- Double-blind
Increasing evidence suggests that modulations of the gut-brain axis with probiotics impact healthy ageing. This double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled study compared effects of micro-encapsulated and non-encapsulated Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 in 87 community-dwelling elderly (60-80 years). Resting state functional connectivity differed significantly in regions involved in visual processing and perception between the two probiotic groups (p < 0.0001). Brain morphometry was not altered. Significant time*group effects (p < 0.05) were observed for processing speed, non-significant effects were observed for short-term memory and anxiety symptoms, while other cognitive domains, depression, perceived stress, and sleep quality were unaffected. Distribution of available and stored peripheral serotonin was significantly affected (p < 0.05), while levels of γ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate in striatum and circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor did not show significant time*group effects. Micro-encapsulated probiotics target the gut differently, which impacts the effects on brain health assessed by (functional) magnetic resonance imaging in older adults. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under ID: NCT05801042.