Work

Probiotic Formulation for Patients With Bipolar or Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Year: 2024

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Probiotic augmentation offers a promising treatment for bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). By targeting microbiome deviations, they may improve both gut and brain health. STUDY DESIGN: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with the multi-strain probiotic formulation Ecologic BARRIER, we aimed to improve psychiatric and cognitive symptoms, intestinal permeability, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with BD or SSD. A total of 131 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either the probiotic supplement (n = 67) or a placebo (n = 64) for 3 months, in addition to treatment-as-usual. The primary outcomes were symptom severity assessed by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and cognitive functioning by the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia. STUDY RESULTS: No significant effect of probiotics was observed on psychiatric symptoms, but borderline significant improvement was observed in the cognition category of verbal memory (Linear Mixed Model (LMM) 0.33; adjusted P = .059). Probiotics beneficially affected markers of intestinal permeability and inflammation, including zonulin (LMMserum = -18.40; adjusted P = .002; LMMfecal = -10.47; adjusted P = .014) and alpha-1 antitrypsin (LMM 9.26; adjusted P = .025). Indigestion complaints significantly decreased in male participants in the probiotics group (LMM = -0.70; adjusted P = .010). Adverse events were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study observed significant advantages of probiotics for gut health in BD and SSD, with excellent safety and tolerability. A borderline effect on verbal memory was also indicated. These results underscore the need for further research into microbiome-targeted interventions for patients with complex brain disorders.

Source: Schizophrenia Bulletin

DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbae188

Authors: Jenny Borkent, Magdalini Ioannou, Dorien Neijzen, Bartholomeus C M Haarman, Iris E C Sommer

Institutions: University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen

Language: English

Topic: Probiotics and Fermented Foods

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,230