Effect of early probiotic supplementation on childhood cognition, behaviour and mood a randomised, placebo-controlled...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric allergy and immunology
• Neuroscience
• Microbiome research

Background:

• Probiotic supplementation in infancy is explored for various health benefits.
• The long-term effects of early-life probiotics on neurocognitive development require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess if probiotic supplementation in early life influences neurocognitive outcomes at 11 years of age.
• Investigate the impact of specific probiotic strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019, on cognitive functions.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 474 infants at risk of allergic disease.
• Mothers received probiotics or placebo from 35 weeks gestation; infants continued from birth to two years.
• Neurocognitive assessments including intelligence, executive function, and attention were conducted at 11 years of age.

Main Results:

• A total of 342 children (72.2%) completed the neurocognitive assessments.
• No significant differences in intelligence, executive function, attention, depression, or anxiety were observed between the probiotic (HN001, HN019) and placebo groups.

Conclusions:

• Early-life administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 was not associated with improved neurocognitive outcomes at 11 years.
• The study suggests that other probiotic strains might have different effects, warranting further clinical trials.