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Published on: January 27, 2019
Early-life cognitive effects of prebiotics and probiotics: A cross-species systematic review
Saúl Sal-Sarria1, Philip W J Burnet2
1Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.
Insights
Prebiotics and probiotics show promise for early-life cognitive development in animal studies, improving memory and learning. However, human trial results are mixed, indicating more research is needed for definitive conclusions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Early-life cognitive development is crucial for long-term outcomes.
- The gut microbiome is increasingly recognized for its influence on brain health.
- Prebiotic and probiotic interventions aim to modulate the gut microbiota.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effects of prebiotic and probiotic interventions on early-life cognitive development.
- To evaluate evidence from both animal models and human studies.
- To explore potential mechanisms underlying observed effects.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
- Inclusion of 39 studies published between 2015-2025.
- Searches conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
Main Results:
- Probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) consistently enhanced cognitive functions in rodents, especially under stress/neuroinflammation.
- Porcine models showed variable learning and memory benefits.
- Human trials presented mixed results regarding improvements in language, attention, and behavior.
Conclusions:
- Preclinical data strongly suggest cognitive benefits from microbiota-targeted interventions.
- Translational evidence in humans is uncertain due to study heterogeneity and limited pediatric data.
- Future research requires longitudinal human trials and direct comparisons of intervention types.
Abstract:
This systematic review evaluated the effects of prebiotic and probiotic interventions on early-life cognitive development in animal models and humans. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 39 studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. In rodents, probiotics -mainly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains- consistently improved spatial learning, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, particularly under conditions of early-life stress and neuroinflammation. Porcine models showed partial benefits in learning and memory, though several studies reported neutral outcomes. Human trials yielded mixed findings: some demonstrated improvements in language, attention, or adaptive behavior, while others observed no significant cognitive effects. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of neurotransmitter systems, reduced neuroinflammation, restoration of blood-brain barrier integrity, and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Overall, preclinical evidence strongly supports the cognitive benefits of microbiota-targeted interventions, but translation to humans remains uncertain due to methodological heterogeneity, species differences, and the limited number of pediatric studies. Future research should focus on longitudinal human trials, direct comparisons between prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic approaches, and the inclusion of sex as a biological variable.
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