Nutraceuticals for Gut-Brain Axis Health: A Novel Approach to Combat Malnutrition and Future Personalised Nutraceutical Interventions.

2025-04-30
Nutrients 17(9)
- Litai Liu
- Wen Qi
- Na Zhang
- Jinhao Zhang
- Shen Liu
- Huan Wang
- Lianzhou Jiang
- Ying Sun

PubMed: 40362863
DOI: 10.3390/nu17091551

Study Design

Type: Review
Methods: This review aims to elucidate the interplay between gut microbiota-derived biomarkers and GBA dysfunction in malnutrition and evaluate the potential of nutraceuticals in combating malnutrition.

Rigorous Journal

The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a bidirectional communication network between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, modulated by gut microbiota and related biomarkers. Malnutrition disrupts GBA homeostasis, exacerbating GBA dysfunction through gut dysbiosis, impaired neuroactive metabolite production, and systemic inflammation. Nutraceuticals, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and paraprobiotics, offer a promising approach to improving GBA homeostasis by modulating the gut microbiota composition and related neuroactive metabolites. This review aims to elucidate the interplay between gut microbiota-derived biomarkers and GBA dysfunction in malnutrition and evaluate the potential of nutraceuticals in combating malnutrition. Furthermore, it explores the future of personalised nutraceutical interventions tailored to individual genetic and microbiome profiles, providing a targeted approach to optimise health outcomes. The integration of nutraceuticals into GBA health management could transform malnutrition treatment and improve cognitive and metabolic health.

Research Insights

Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-10→Improved Gastrointestinal Discomfort
The study reported a reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms associated with malnutrition after consuming Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-10.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-10→Improved Gut Microbiota Composition
Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-10 was shown to improve gut microbiota composition and may positively influence gut health.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Bifidobacterium lactis UABla-12→Improved Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Consumption of Bifidobacterium longum UABl-14 significantly improved gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adults compared with placebo.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Bifidobacterium lactis UABla-12→Improved Gut Microbiota Composition
Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-10 was shown to improve gut microbiota composition and may positively influence gut health.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Bifidobacterium lactis UABla-12→Reduced Intestinal Inflammation
B. lactis UABla-12 also significantly reduced fecal calprotectin levels, indicating a reduction in intestinal inflammation.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Bifidobacterium longum UABl-14→Improved Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Consumption of Bifidobacterium longum UABl-14 significantly improved gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adults compared with placebo.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Bifidobacterium longum UABl-14→Improved Psychological Well-being
The probiotic also reduced perceived stress and improved psychological well-being in participants.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small