The Effect of A Whey-Protein and Galacto-Oligosaccharides Based Product on Parameters of Sleep Quality, Stress, and Gut Microbiota in Apparently Healthy Adults with Moderate Sleep Disturbances: A Randomized Controlled Cross-Over Study

Abstract

People experiencing sleep problems may benefit from nutrients supporting serotonin metabolism and stress reduction. We studied the effect of a dairy-based product (DP) containing protein, galacto-oligosaccharides, vitamins and minerals, on sleep quality, stress, and gut-microbiota. In a cross-over RCT (three weeks intervention; three weeks washout), adults (n = 70; 30–50 y) with sleep disturbances (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) ≥ 9) consumed products 1 h before bed-time. Sleep quality (PSQI) was measured weekly, stress at base- and end-line (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and saliva cortisol). Fecal samples were collected in the 1st intervention period only. Compared to placebo (skimmed milk), PSQI was only lower at day 14 in the 2nd intervention period in intention-to-treat (ITT) (p = 0.017; n = 69) and per-protocol (PP) (p = 0.038; n = 64) analyses. Post-hoc analysis (modified-PP: n=47, with baseline PSQI ≥ 9, and endline day 14), however, showed a decrease in PSQI (−1.60 ± 2.53; p = 0.034). Early morning saliva cortisol decreased versus placebo (p = 0.045). Relative abundance of Bifidobacterium increased (p = 0.02). Redundancy analysis showed an inverse relationship between baseline microbiota composition and baseline PSQI (p = 0.046). Thus, although DP did not improve sleep quality in ITT and PP populations, it did in the modPP. DP reduced salivary cortisol and stimulated Bifidobacterium, which possibly is important for sleep improvement.

Examining the Influence of the Human Gut Microbiota on Cognition and Stress: A Systematic Review of the Literature

“…Nineteen eligible studies examined the influence of microbiota modulators on brain structures/function and/or aspects of cognition and/or markers of stress and emotional well-being (both biological and perceived/self-reported) were included [ 35 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 ]. Microbiota modulators ranged from a single-species, multi-species probiotic, prebiotic, paraprobiotic and/or postbiotic.…”

“…Four studies used a prebiotic intervention [ 35 , 44 , 54 , 56 ]. Two studies examined galacto-oligosaccharides [ 35 , 54 ], one study used oligofructose-enriched inulin [ 56 ] and one study used a polydextrose fibre (PDX) [ 44 ].…”

“…Four studies used a prebiotic intervention [ 35 , 44 , 54 , 56 ]. Two studies examined galacto-oligosaccharides [ 35 , 54 ], one study used oligofructose-enriched inulin [ 56 ] and one study used a polydextrose fibre (PDX) [ 44 ]. Three studies employed a cross-over design, with the other study assessing acute effects (1 day—indicative of a non-microbiome influence) [ 56 ].…”

The Role of the Gut-Lung Axis in COVID-19 Infections and Its Modulation to Improve Clinical Outcomes

“…For example, combinations of whey and eggs with inulin have been shown to increase the capability to improve the gut microbiota in obese rats [173]. A randomized trial reported that whey protein with GOS improved sleep quality and stress through modulation of the gut microbiota [174]. Lastly the effects of lifestyle effects relevant to prudent nutritional practices and the adoption of some form of exercise regimes provide practical solutions to improve the intestinal microbiome-host functionality and in turn also improve the lung-gut axis.…”

Feed your microbiome and improve sleep, stress resilience, and cognition

“…GOS intake reduced anxiety behavior, accompanied by physiologically reduced waking cortisol and fewer prominent rises and falls in cortisol. Sleep quality, stress, and gut microbiome were assessed in adults 30-50 years of age who consumed a dairy-based product with added GOS and vitamins and minerals over three weeks (1 h before bedtime) [95]. The test diet reduced salivary cortisol and stimulated beneficial bacteria.…”