Researchers here report that a small trial in humans showed that modulation of the aged gut microbiome via dietary supplementation with a prebiotic produced modest benefits to cognitive function. It is interesting that a prebiotic strategy, generally a weak form of intervention characterized by short duration of effect and small effect size, managed this outcome. There was no improvement in physical performance in the study group, only cognitive function. One might contrast this with what is known of the effects of fecal microbiota transplant from a young individual or flagellin immunization on the gut microbiome, meaning much larger and essentially permanent changes, and larger health benefits, at least going by the animal study data.
Studies suggest that inducing gut microbiota changes may alter both muscle physiology and cognitive behaviour. Gut microbiota may play a role in both anabolic resistance of older muscle, and cognition. In this placebo controlled double blinded randomised controlled trial of 36 twin pairs (72 individuals), aged ≥60, each twin pair are block randomised to receive either placebo or prebiotic daily for 12 weeks. Resistance exercise and branched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation is prescribed to all participants. Outcomes are physical function and cognition. The trial is carried out remotely using video visits, online questionnaires and cognitive testing, and posting of equipment and biological samples.
The prebiotic supplement is well tolerated and results in a changed gut microbiome, e.g. increased relative Bifidobacterium abundance. There is no significant difference between prebiotic and placebo for the primary outcome of chair rise time (β = 0.579). The prebiotic improves cognition (factor score versus placebo (β = -0.482). Our results demonstrate that cheap and readily available gut microbiome interventions may improve cognition in our ageing population. We illustrate the feasibility of remotely delivered trials for older people, which could reduce under-representation of older people in clinical trials.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1...467-024-46116-y
View the full article at FightAging
