Probiotics May Alter Brain Activity Involving Emotional Regulation

Several recent studies suggest that gut microbiota may influence brain and emotional function. Now, researchers have conducted the first intervention trial in humans to test this hypothesis.

Participants were 36 healthy women (mean age, 30) randomized to 4-week consumption of a fermented milk product containing four different probiotic bacteria species, 4-week consumption of a nonfermented milk product, or no intervention. To assess compliance, researchers analyzed stool samples to confirm the presence or absence of probiotic species in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Before and after the intervention, participants performed a validated emotional faces attention task in which they were shown faces depicting fear and anger,…