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

2025-04-30
Nutrients 17(9)

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

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