Probiotic Formulation for Patients With Bipolar or Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background and Hypothesis Probiotic augmentation offers a promising treatment for bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). By targeting microbiome deviations, they may improve both gut and brain health. Study Design In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with the multi-strain probiotic formulation Ecologic BARRIER, we aimed to improve psychiatric and cognitive symptoms, intestinal permeability, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with BD or SSD. A total of 131 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either the probiotic supplement (n = 67) or a placebo (n = 64) for 3 months, in addition to treatment-as-usual. The primary outcomes were symptom severity assessed by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and cognitive functioning by the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia. Study Results No significant effect of probiotics was observed on psychiatric symptoms, but borderline significant improvement was observed in the cognition category of verbal memory (Linear Mixed Model (LMM) 0.33; adjusted P = .059). Probiotics beneficially affected markers of intestinal permeability and inflammation, including zonulin (LMMserum = −18.40; adjusted P = .002; LMMfecal = −10.47; adjusted P = .014) and alpha-1 antitrypsin (LMM 9.26; adjusted P = .025). Indigestion complaints significantly decreased in male participants in the probiotics group (LMM = −0.70; adjusted P = .010). Adverse events were similar between groups. Conclusions Our study observed significant advantages of probiotics for gut health in BD and SSD, with excellent safety and tolerability. A borderline effect on verbal memory was also indicated. These results underscore the need for further research into microbiome-targeted interventions for patients with complex brain disorders.