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Effects of probiotics on neurocognitive outcomes in infants and young children: a meta-analysis

Feng-Li Lin1, Chia-Min Chen2, Cheuk-Kwan Sun3,4

  • 1Taoyuan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Frontiers in Public Health
|December 20, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Probiotics did not significantly improve neurocognitive functions in infants and young children. However, longer probiotic treatment durations (over six months) showed potential benefits for cognitive development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Microbiome Research
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • The impact of probiotics on neurocognitive development in young children is not well-established.
  • Existing research presents conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of probiotics for cognitive enhancement in this age group.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of probiotics in improving neurocognitive functions in infants and young children.
  • To synthesize findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to clarify the role of probiotics in cognitive development.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive electronic search of major databases was conducted up to October 2023.
  • Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing cognitive functions using standardized tasks.
  • Meta-analysis employed a random effects model to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD).

Main Results:

  • Nine RCTs involving 3,026 participants were analyzed.
  • No significant overall difference in neurocognitive outcomes was found between probiotic and placebo groups.
  • A subgroup analysis indicated a significant positive effect on neurocognitive outcomes with probiotic treatment exceeding six months (SMD = 0.21, p = 0.03), though based on only two studies.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotics generally show no significant therapeutic effect on neurocognitive outcomes in infants and young children.
  • Extended probiotic treatment (over six months) may positively influence neurocognitive development, warranting further investigation.
  • This finding suggests a potential avenue for optimizing probiotic interventions for cognitive enhancement in pediatric populations.
Abstract

Keywords:
childcognitive functionsmeta-analysisneuroinflammationprobiotics

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