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Intake of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 Improves Cognition in Moderately Stressed Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Study.
Önning, G, Montelius, C, Hillman, M, Larsson, N
Nutrients. 2023;15(15)
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It is thought that there is a bidirectional communication pathway between the gut microbiota and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis. Stress, anxiety and low mood and the hormones produced when experiencing these have been shown to be improved by the introduction of healthy gut microbiota through probiotic use. As such, the use of probiotics may be of benefit to mental health problems. This randomised control trial of 129 individuals with moderate stress aimed to determine the effect of one probiotic strain Lactoplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 (LPHEAL9) on the gut-brain axis. The results showed that following supplementation for 12 weeks, cognitive function was significantly improved compared to placebo and there was an improvement in the feelings of confusion, anger, and depression. There was a trend for improved sleep for individuals given LPHEAL9, however this was not significantly better than individuals given placebo. There were no benefits to perceived stress following LPHEAL9 supplementation. It was concluded that LPHEAL9 improved cognitive function compared to placebo and this may be due to improved mood and sleep. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to specifically recommend LPHEAL9 to individuals with stress, anxiety, and low mood.
Abstract
BACKGROUND The usage of probiotics has expanded beyond the areas of gut and immune health improvement. Several studies have shown the positive impact associated between probiotics and stress, cognition, and mood; a relationship referred to as the gut-brain axis. METHOD The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate the effect of the probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 (LPHEAL9) on the gut-brain axis in subjects with moderate stress. One hundred and twenty-nine subjects aged 21-52 years completed the study, randomized to consume either LPHEAL9 (n = 65) or placebo (n = 64) for 12 weeks. RESULTS Perceived stress and awakening cortisol were significantly reduced over time in both groups. A significant improvement in four cognition tests after consumption of LPHEAL9 compared to placebo was observed (rapid information processing test, numeric working memory test, paired associated learning, and word recall, p < 0.05). There was a tendency for a significantly better improvement in the LPHEAL9 group for three mood subscales (Confusion-Bewilderment, Anger-Hostility, and Depression-Dejection) and for fewer subjects with poor sleep in the LPHEAL9 group compared to placebo (p < 0.10). CONCLUSIONS Intake of LPHEAL9 significantly improved cognitive functions compared to the placebo, potentially by ameliorating aspects of mood and sleep.
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Yoga as a Preventive Intervention for Cardiovascular Diseases and Associated Comorbidities: Open-Label Single Arm Study.
Sharma, K, Basu-Ray, I, Sayal, N, Vora, A, Bammidi, S, Tyagi, R, Modgil, S, Bali, P, Kaur, P, Goyal, AK, et al
Frontiers in public health. 2022;10:843134
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Cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of mortality, is on the rise. Inactivity and poor dietary habits can contribute to fat accumulation, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Yoga is a cost-effective physical activity that may reduce lipid levels. In addition, the practice of yoga may help manage stress, another contributing factor. In this open-label study, AYUSH yoga for 30 days for one hour per day was assessed to improve dyslipidaemia among healthy, comorbid, and trainer participants. The healthy-naive group's cholesterol profile improved significantly compared to the diseased group. Experienced trainers' lipid profiles differed significantly from those of yoga-naive volunteers. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were significantly lower than baseline. A significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and BMI was observed among yoga-naive and healthy participants. In addition, the trainer group had significantly lower LDL and TC/HDL ratios and higher HDL levels. Compared to the comorbid yoga group, the healthy yoga group showed significant differences in physiological parameters such as systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and weight after a month of practice, demonstrating that yoga was more effective in healthy participants. These results can help healthcare professionals understand yoga's preventative effects on cardiovascular disease. However, as the current evidence is limited, more robust studies are needed.
Abstract
Aim: Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) is a standardized yoga protocol authored by experts from all over the world under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH, Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homeopathy (AYUSH). The potential of CYP can be determined as a cost-effective lifestyle modification to prevent the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods: In this prospective trial, we compared the effect of CYP at baseline and after 1 month. A total of 374 yoga-naïve participants performed CYP under the supervision of experienced trainers. Physiological [body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, percent oxygen saturation], biochemical (fasting blood glucose and lipid profile), and neurocognitive parameters were measured before and after the intervention. Results: At day 30 of yoga practice, serum levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were found significantly improved as compared to the baseline levels observed at the time of enrollment. Similarly, the lipid profile was also obtained from experienced trainers and found to be significantly different from those of yoga-naïve volunteers. When the intervention was compared between the healthy yoga-naïve participants with yoga-naïve participants suffering from medical issues, it was found that cholesterol profile improved significantly in the healthy-naive group as compared to the diseased group (hypertension, diabetes, underwent surgery, and CVD). Conclusion: These results highlight the need for further research to better understand the effects of yoga on the primary prevention of CVD.
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Effect of magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation on mental health and quality of life in stressed healthy adults: Post-hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial.
Noah, L, Dye, L, Bois De Fer, B, Mazur, A, Pickering, G, Pouteau, E
Stress and health : journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress. 2021;37(5):1000-1009
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Stress and low magnesemia are shown to be linked by previous research evidence. Additionally, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has been shown to have stress-relieving and neuromodulating effects. This 1:1 randomised, investigator-blinded, parallel-group trial compared the effectiveness of magnesium alone and a combination of magnesium and vitamin B6 in participants with moderate to severe stress on mental and physical health. Participants consumed 300 mg magnesium lactate dihydrate daily with 30 mg Vitamin B6 or 300 mg magnesium lactate dihydrate daily for 8 weeks. Treatment with magnesium with or without vitamin B6 improved depression and anxiety, specifically a significant improvement observed after week four of the intervention. Quality of life improvements were sustained over 8 weeks among participants with magnesemia. Combined supplementation of magnesium and vitamin B6 increased the perceived capacity for physical activity in participants. Further robust research is needed to evaluate the combined effects of vitamin B6 and magnesium on stress-related mental health in people with magnesemia. However, healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to better understand magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation's positive effects on stress-related mental health.
Abstract
Magnesium status and vitamin B6 intake have been linked to mental health and/or quality of life (QoL). In an 8-week Phase IV randomised controlled study in individuals with low magnesemia and severe/extremely severe stress but who were otherwise healthy, greater stress reduction was achieved with magnesium combined with vitamin B6 than with magnesium alone. We present a previously unreported secondary analysis of the effect of magnesium, with and without vitamin B6, on depression, anxiety, and QoL. Adults with Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-42) stress subscale score >18 were randomised 1:1 to magnesium + vitamin B6 combination (Magne B6® ; daily dose 300 and 30 mg, respectively) or magnesium alone (Magnespasmyl® ; daily dose 300 mg). Outcomes included changes from baseline in DASS-42 depression and anxiety scores, and QoL (Short Form-36 Health Survey). DASS-42 anxiety and depression scores significantly improved from baseline to week 8 with both treatments, particularly during the first 4 weeks. Improvement in QoL continued over 8 weeks. Participants' perceived capacity for physical activity in daily life showed greater improvement with magnesium + vitamin B6 than magnesium alone (Week 4). In conclusion, magnesium supplementation, with or without vitamin B6, could provide a meaningful clinical benefit in daily life for individuals with stress and low magnesemia.
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Effects of Probiotic NVP-1704 on Mental Health and Sleep in Healthy Adults: An 8-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Lee, HJ, Hong, JK, Kim, JK, Kim, DH, Jang, SW, Han, SW, Yoon, IY
Nutrients. 2021;13(8)
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Dietary changes directly alter the gut microbiome composition. A diversified gut microbiome may have therapeutic implications for mental health, and specific strains of probiotics have shown the potential to treat depression and anxiety. Several preclinical trials have found the probiotic mixture NVP-1704 to alleviate depression and anxiety in mice through modulating the gut-brain-microbiome axis. The aim of this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study was to examine the efficacy and safety of NVP-1704 for the management of depression, anxiety and insomnia in healthy adults. A total of 156 healthy adults with subclinical depression, anxiety and insomnia were randomised to receive either NVP-1704 or placebo for eight weeks. Participants completed various questionnaires and biomarkers of stress and inflammation were assessed. After eight weeks, this study found that NVP-1704 to be a safe and well-tolerated probiotic with beneficial effects on depression, sleep quality, inflammation and gut microbiome composition in healthy adults. Based on this study, the authors conclude the therapeutic effects of NVP-1704 previously found in preclinical mice trials may now be translated to clinical trials. The authors suggest large, highly controlled, longitudinal human studies be conducted in the future to further confirm the benefits of probiotics on mental health and sleep.
Abstract
The human gut microbiome is closely linked to mental health and sleep. We aimed to verify the efficacy and safety of probiotic NVP-1704, a mixture of Lactobacillus reuteri NK33 and Bifidobacterium adolescentis NK98, in improving stress, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, along with the measurement of some blood biomarkers. A total of 156 healthy adults with subclinical symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia were retrospectively registered and randomly assigned to receive either NVP-1704 (n = 78) or a placebo (n = 78) for eight weeks. Participants completed the Stress Response Inventory, Beck's Depression and Anxiety Inventory, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, and Insomnia Severity Index at baseline, at four and eight weeks of treatment. Pre- and post-treatment blood tests for biomarkers were conducted. After intervention, gut microbiota composition was quantified by pyrosequencing the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The NVP-1704 group had a more significant reduction in depressive symptoms at four and eight weeks of treatment, and anxiety symptoms at four weeks compared to the placebo group. Those receiving NVP-1704 also experienced an improvement in sleep quality. NVP-1704 treatment led to a decrease in serum interleukin-6 levels. Furthermore, NVP-1704 increased Bifidobacteriaceae and Lactobacillacea, whereas it decreased Enterobacteriaceae in the gut microbiota composition. Our findings suggest that probiotic NVP-1704 could be beneficial for mental health and sleep.
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Genetic risk-factors for anxiety in healthy individuals: polymorphisms in genes important for the HPA axis.
Lindholm, H, Morrison, I, Krettek, A, Malm, D, Novembre, G, Handlin, L
BMC medical genetics. 2020;21(1):184
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Anxiety is a complex disorder that involves alterations in hormones secreted from glands in the brain. Genetic variations in these hormones can mean that some individuals are more susceptible to anxiety disorders. The aim of this observational study was to investigate possible relationships between genetic changes in brain hormones and anxiety in 72 individuals. The results showed that women were more likely than men to report feelings of anxiety and there were several relationships between genetic variations in brain hormones and self-reported measures of anxiety. It was concluded that genetic variations in brain hormones are associated with anxiety disorders in healthy individuals. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand how genetics could play a role in anxiety and that certain genes could be used to identify individuals at risk of anxiety disorders.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two important aspects for the development of anxiety disorders are genetic predisposition and alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In order to identify genetic risk-factors for anxiety, the aim of this exploratory study was to investigate possible relationships between genetic polymorphisms in genes important for the regulation and activity of the HPA axis and self-assessed anxiety in healthy individuals. METHODS DNA from 72 healthy participants, 37 women and 35 men, were included in the analyses. Their DNA was extracted and analysed for the following Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP)s: rs41423247 in the NR3C1 gene, rs1360780 in the FKBP5 gene, rs53576 in the OXTR gene, 5-HTTLPR in SLC6A4 gene and rs6295 in the HTR1A gene. Self-assessed anxiety was measured by the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. RESULTS Self-assessed measure of both STAI-S and STAI-T were significantly higher in female than in male participants (p = 0.030 and p = 0.036, respectively). For SNP rs41423247 in the NR3C1 gene, there was a significant difference in females in the score for STAI-S, where carriers of the G allele had higher scores compared to the females that were homozygous for the C allele (p < 0.01). For the SNP rs53576 in the OXTR gene, there was a significant difference in males, where carriers of the A allele had higher scores in STAI-T compared to the males that were homozygous for the G allele (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION This study shows that SNP rs41423247 in the NR3C1 gene and SNP rs53576 in the OXTR gene are associated with self-assessed anxiety in healthy individuals in a gender-specific manner. This suggests that these SNP candidates are possible genetic risk-factors for anxiety.
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Effects of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on Anxiety in Students: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
de Oliveira, IJ, de Souza, VV, Motta, V, Da-Silva, SL
Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS. 2015;18(1):11-8
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Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a well known anti-oxidant that has been studied in relation to anxious behaviour triggered by stressful situations. This study set out to examine the effects of vitamin C (50mg per day) or placebo on 42 high school students in a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. Levels of anxiety were measured before and after a 14 day supplementation of vitamin C or placebo using the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Plasma levels of vitamin C, heart rate and blood pressure were also measured. The results showed vitamin C supplementation reduced anxiety levels and increased plasma vitamin C levels. There was also a significant decrease in heart rate. There was no significant difference in blood pressure. The study concluded that vitamin C has a therapeutic affect on reducing anxiety levels. It was recommend high schools implement nutritional programs high in antioxidants such as vitamin C to reduce anxiety and improve academic performance.
Abstract
Vitamin C ascorbic acid) is a well-known antioxidant that is involved in anxiety, stress, depression, fatigue and mood state in humans. Studies have suggested that oxidative stress may trigger neuropsychological disorders. Antioxidants may play an important therapeutic role in combating the damage caused by oxidative stress in individuals that suffer from anxiety. In this context, it was hypothesized that oral vitamin C supplementation would reduce anxiety. However, few up to date studies have evaluated the consequences of oral vitamin C supplementation on anxiety in humans. The present study examined the effects of oral vitamin C supplements in 42 high school students, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The students were given either vitamin C (500 mg day(-1)) or placebo. Plasma concentrations of vitamin C and blood pressure were measured before the intervention and then one day after the intervention. Anxiety levels were evaluated for each student before and after 14 days following supplementation with the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results showed that vitamin C reduced anxiety levels and led to higher plasma vitamin C concentration compared to the placebo. The mean heart rates were also significantly different between vitamin C group and placebo control group. Present study results not only provide evidence that vitamin C plays an important therapeutic role for anxiety but also point a possible use for antioxidants in the prevention or reduction of anxiety. This suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C may be an effective adjunct to medical and psychological treatment of anxiety and improve academic performance.
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Reversal of cognitive decline: a novel therapeutic program.
Bredesen, DE
Aging. 2014;6(9):707-17
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Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is estimated to affect 30 million individuals globally, with projections as high as 150 million by 2050 if no effective treatment is found. This report describes a personalised, multi-modal, therapeutic programme used with 10 individuals with various degrees of cognitive decline. The goal was to optimise metabolic parameters and lifestyle factors and was personalised based on laboratory test results. 9 out of 10 of the case study patients experienced improvement in cognitive abilities, beginning within 3-6 months of starting the programme. These effects were sustained at 2.5 year follow up. The 1 patient who did not benefit had advanced AD, in comparison to the other patients with subjective or mild cognitive decline. The authors call for a more extensive trial of the therapeutic programme.
Abstract
This report describes a novel, comprehensive, and personalized therapeutic program that is based on the underlying pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, and which involves multiple modalities designed to achieve metabolic enhancement for neurodegeneration (MEND). The first 10 patients who have utilized this program include patients with memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), or subjective cognitive impairment (SCI). Nine of the 10 displayed subjective or objective improvement in cognition beginning within 3-6 months, with the one failure being a patient with very late stage AD. Six of the patients had had to discontinue working or were struggling with their jobs at the time of presentation, and all were able to return to work or continue working with improved performance. Improvements have been sustained, and at this time the longest patient follow-up is two and one-half years from initial treatment, with sustained and marked improvement. These results suggest that a larger, more extensive trial of this therapeutic program is warranted. The results also suggest that, at least early in the course, cognitive decline may be driven in large part by metabolic processes. Furthermore, given the failure of monotherapeutics in AD to date, the results raise the possibility that such a therapeutic system may be useful as a platform on which drugs that would fail as monotherapeutics may succeed as key components of a therapeutic system.
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Lysine fortification reduces anxiety and lessens stress in family members in economically weak communities in Northwest Syria.
Smriga, M, Ghosh, S, Mouneimne, Y, Pellett, PL, Scrimshaw, NS
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 2004;101(22):8285-8
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The risk of protein deficiency, particularly lysine, is high among communities that depend on wheat for their protein supply. In experimental animals, prolonged lysine inadequacy increases stress-induced anxiety, however the evidence of nutritional benefits for fortifying wheat with lysine is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate whether consuming lysine-fortified wheat for three months would reduce stress and anxiety in Northwest Syrian rural communities. This study indicated that lysine fortification significantly reduced anxiety in males. These results suggest that some stress responses among economically weak populations consuming wheat-based diets can be improved with lysine fortification.
Abstract
Lysine is a limiting amino acid in diets based on wheat as the staple. In experimental animals, prolonged dietary lysine inadequacy increases stress-induced anxiety. If observed in humans, such a result would have a strong implication for the relationship between nutrition and communal quality of life and mental health. As part of a 3-month randomized double-blind study, we tested whether lysine fortification of wheat reduces anxiety and stress response in family members in poor Syrian communities consuming wheat as a staple food. In the lysine-fortified group, the plasma cortisol response to the blood drawing as a cause of stress was reduced in females, as was sympathetic arousal in males as measured by skin conductance. Lysine fortification also significantly reduced chronic anxiety as measured by the trait anxiety inventory in males. These results suggest that some stress responses in economically weak populations consuming cereal-based diets can be improved with lysine fortification.
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Hypersensitivity of the corticotropic axis to the serotoninergic agent clomipramine in obese women.
Laferrère, B, Lahlou, N, Saltiel, H, Roger, M, Basdevant, A, Oppert, JM, Guy-Grand, B
Obesity research. 1994;2(4):328-36
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It is thought that the neurotransmitter serotonin may play a role in the development of obesity, due to its effects on satiety, nutrient selection, and the reward system. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) on the hormones prolactin, corticotropin and cortisol. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a single intravenous dose of the SSRI clomipramine (CMI) was given to 12 obese and 6 non-obese women, and their hormone levels measured before and after. Six of the obese women went on to lose between 8-12% of their body weight and their response to CMI was measured again. No difference was found in the baseline levels of hormones between the non-obese, obese before and after weight loss. Levels of prolactin, corticotropin and cortisol rose significantly across all groups after administration of CMI, with the corticotropin and cortisol responses being greater in the obese group. The peak cortisol value was around 30% greater in the obese compared to the non-obese group. Weight loss did not seem to affect the hormonal response to CMI. The results of this study support the assumption that the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA) in obese women is unusually sensitive to serotonin and that losing weight does not normalise this.
Abstract
Serotoninergic control of food intake has been shown to be abnormal in obese persons with a decrease in serotoninergic tone. The neuroendocrine effects of intravenous I.V. administration of clomipramine (CMI), a serotonin uptake inhibitor, were studied in normal-weight (n=7) and obese subjects before (n=12) and after (n=6) dietary restriction. Under double-blind, placebo-controlled conditions, a single 12.5 mg dose of CMI was administered. There was no difference in baseline values of prolactin (PRL), corticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol in non-obese controls, obese before and obese after weight loss. CMI led to significant increases of PRL, ACTH, and cortisol concentrations in the controls as well as the obese group. The ACTH and cortisol responses to CMI in obese subjects were somewhat greater than the responses in normal-weight subjects. The area under the curve AUC for ACTH after clomipramine was 6202 +/- 976 pg/ml x 150 minutes for tile obese before weight loss and 3274 +/- 512 pg/ml x 150 minutes for the controls and the difference was significant at the level of p=0.052. The cortisol peak value after clomipramine was 163.71 +/- 14.31 ng/ml in the non-obese and 214.66 +/- 12.59 ng/ml in the obese (p=0.025). However, there was no difference in the obese subjects before and after weight loss. These data support the assumption that obese women have an abnormal sensitivity to the serotoninergic control of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA), and that a mild weight loss does not significantly modify their serotoninergic tone.