A new study shows Probiotics significantly reduced cognitive reactivity to sad mood, which is a marker of vulnerability to depression and considered an important target for interventions.
20 healthy individuals with no current mood disorders participated in this 4 week triple-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, pre-and post-intervention assessment designed study. Participants in the study received either a placebo or a Multi Species Probiotic supplement. The Probiotic supplement contained these species of friendly bacteria: Bifiodobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobaciullus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus salivarius, and Lactococcus lactis. Cognitive reactivity to sad mood was determined using the revised Leiden index of depression sensitivity scale in both the pre- and post-intervention assessment.
Participants receiving the Probiotic supplement showed a significant reduction in their overall cognitive reactivity to sad mood. This was largely seen in a reduction of aggressive thoughts and a reduction in ruminations (deeply considered thoughts about things).
It is believed that the brain and the intestines are closely connected by the gut-brain axis. This study shows communications occur due to interactions with intestinal microbiota signaling molecules which play a role in brain regulation and behavior. This may explain the positive mood effects often seen by individuals supplementing with Probiotic supplements.
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