Probiotics treatment improves cognitive impairment in patients and animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Lv, T.; Ye, M.; Luo, F.; Hu, B.; Wang, A.; Chen, J.; Yan, J.; He, Z.; Chen, F.; Qian, C.; Gao, H.; Zhang, J.; Ding, Z.; Liu, Z.
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The gut-brain axis has received considerable attention in recent years, and the "psychobiotics" concept indicates that probiotics have a potential positive effect on cognitive function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the influence of probiotics on cognitive function. We conducted a random-e?ects meta-analysis of 7 controlled clinical trials and 11 animals studies to evaluate the e?ects of probiotics on cognitive function. Probiotics supplementation enhanced cognitive function in both human (0.24 [0.05-0.42]; I2 = 0%) and animal studies (0.90 [0.47-1.34]; I2 = 74%). Subgroup analyses indicated that the effects of probiotics on cognitively impaired individuals (0.25 [0.05-0.45]; I2 = 0%) were greater than those on healthy ones (0.15 [-0.30 to 0.60]; I2 = 0%). Furthermore, compared with a multiple-probiotic supplement, one strain of probiotic was more effective in humans. The meta-analysis provided some suggestions for probiotics intervention and tended to support a customized approach for different individuals to ameliorate cognitive disorders. Future additional clinical trials are necessary to evaluate therapeutic effect and influencing factors.