Effect of Coordinated Probiotic/Prebiotic/Phytobiotic Supplementation on Microbiome Balance and Psychological Mood State in Healthy Stressed Adults

Abstract

Background Interest in and knowledge of the gut microbiome has increased exponentially in the past decade. This once overlooked component of the gastrointestinal tract is now implicated in multiple aspects of human health, including mental wellness (e.g. depression, anxiety, stress), metabolic (e.g. diabetes, obesity), neurologic (e.g. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Autism Spectrum Disorder), gastrointestinal (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's), and immunologic (e.g. inflammation, cancer), among others. Purpose/Objectives Previous research has demonstrated the “strain specificity” of probiotic therapy – elucidating that targeted health benefits are related to the specific strain of bacteria (e.g. Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 for serotonin/depression; Bifidobacterium longum R0175 for GABA/anxiety; Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 for cortisol/stress). Similarly, probiotic bacteria demonstrate different growth trajectories based on availability of preferred fiber substrates (e.g. prebiotics) and phytonutrients such as flavonoids/polyphenols (e.g. phytobiotics). Thus, our objective was two‐fold: to determine the change in microbiome ecology/balance; and to assess the change in psychological mood state (e.g. depression/anxiety/vigor) following a coordinated pro‐/pre‐/phyto‐biotic supplementation regimen. Methods Thirty‐two healthy subjects screened for “moderate” levels of psychological stress were randomly assigned to 30‐days of Supplement (Amare Fundamentals containing specific strains of probiotic bacteria, prebiotic fibers, and phytobiotic plant extracts, N=21) or look‐alike Placebo (N=11). Microbiome balance was assessed in fecal samples using a PCR‐based analysis (BiomeTracker) that has previously compared favorably to 16S sequencing (ACN 2017) for abundance quantification for major phyla/families of bacteria. Psychological mood state parameters were assessed using the validated Profile of Mood States survey (POMS) to generate scores for Global Mood State, and six sub‐scales (Depression, Tension, Fatigue, Anger, Confusion, and Vigor). Results Following 30‐days of supplementation, there was a significant increase in populations of “good” bacteria in the Supplement group (+28% Lactobacillus; +30% Bifidobacterium) and overall composite score (+17%) versus Placebo (p<0.05). Psychological indices were significantly improved in the Supplement group for both positive (+25% Global Mood; +25% Vigor) and negative (−60% Depression; −54% Tension; −52% Fatigue; −42% Confusion; −39% Anger) parameters versus Placebo (p<0.05). Conclusions The World Health Organization has identified mental wellness issues as the leading contributor to global health burden – highlighting the urgency to develop lifestyle interventions to effectively manage depression, anxiety, and stress. These results demonstrate the close relationship between microbiome balance and psychological parameters – and the utility of targeted supplementation to positively influence the gut‐brain‐axis for improved mental wellness. Support or Funding Information This tr...

Consumption of fermented dairy products is associated with lower anxiety levels in Azorean university students

“…Other studies indicated that oral administration of selected probiotic bacteria may have beneficial effects in the treatment of gastrointestinal and psychological stress-related disorders ( 37 – 39 ). Recent human studies have shown that taking a dietary supplement containing probiotics, prebiotics, and phytobiotics (phytonutrients with gut-enhancing effects) improves beneficial gut bacteria and psychological well-being ( 40 ).…”

Medicinal Plants and Their Impact on the Gut Microbiome in Mental Health: A Systematic Review

“…Certain compound classes such as polyphenols and polysaccharides have been shown to have prebiotic effects. Terms such as flavobiotics and phytobiotics have been used to refer to phytochemical constituents conferring health benefits on the host by positively influencing the gut microbiome [ 257 , 258 ]. Furthermore, recently, it has been proposed that polyphenols act as duplibiotics, meaning that these phytoconstituents have a dual effect on the microbiome by exerting antimicrobial properties, similar to antibiotics, on one hand, and by acting as prebiotics, positively stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria, on the other hand [ 259 ].…”

Natural polyphenols for the prevention of irritable bowel syndrome: molecular mechanisms and targets; a comprehensive review

“…The best available herbal treatments for IBS include natural polyphenolic products extracted from Perilla frutescens, Aloe vera, Mentha piperita, Cynara scolymus, Acacia catechu, Camellia sinensis and polyphenol compounds such as isoflavones baicalin, anthocyanins and quercetin. Such natural polyphenolic products possess numerous anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects, which help to improve the IBS symptoms and the QOL scores in the IBS patients [26,[36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45].…”