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Prebiotic Treatment in People With Schizophrenia.
Robert W Buchanan1, Anne E Werkheiser2, Hanna Michel1
1From the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
|August 15, 2024
Summary
This study found that oligofructose-enriched inulin (OEI) increased butyrate levels in people with schizophrenia. This prebiotic intervention shows promise for gut health in this population.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Nutritional psychiatry
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Schizophrenia is linked to lower levels of butyrate-producing gut bacteria.
- Butyrate is crucial for gut barrier integrity and possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
- This study investigated if a prebiotic could boost butyrate production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if oligofructose-enriched inulin (OEI) increases butyrate levels in individuals with schizophrenia.
- To assess the efficacy of a specific prebiotic (Prebiotin) in a controlled trial.
Main Methods:
- A 10-day double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial involving 27 participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
- Participants received either OEI (4g, 3x/day) or a placebo (maltodextrin).
- Plasma butyrate levels were measured before and after OEI challenges to assess treatment effects.
Main Results:
- More participants in the OEI group met challenge responder criteria compared to placebo.
- OEI treatment led to an increase in baseline butyrate levels (effect size 0.58).
Conclusions:
- The prebiotic OEI selectively elevated plasma butyrate levels in individuals with schizophrenia.
- This proof-of-concept study demonstrates a potential therapeutic avenue through gut microbiota modulation.
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