What’s good for your aging gut may also be good for your aging brain. The first study of its kind in twins found that taking a daily protein and prebiotic supplement may improve memory test scores in people over 60.
The findings are food for thought, especially since the same visual memory and learning tests are used to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
This double-blind study included two inexpensive plant fiber prebiotics that are available over-the-counter in many countries around the world. Prebiotics are non-digestible consumables that help boost the gut microbiome.
one person is called inulinis a dietary fiber classified as a fructan. the other is called fructooligosaccharide (FOS), a plant carbohydrate commonly used as a natural low-calorie sweetener.
To test the effects of these supplements on the aging brain, researchers at King’s College London enrolled 36 pairs of twins over the age of 60.
Each duo was randomly split, with one twin assigned a daily prebiotic in a protein powder and the other a daily placebo in a protein powder.
Twins who unknowingly took inulin or FOS generally scored higher on cognitive tests three months later.
Additionally, daily fiber supplements were associated with slight changes in the gut microbiome between twins. beneficial BifidobacteriumFor example, it was more present in twins taking inulin or FOS.
In studies on mice, Bifidobacterium Reduces cognitive impairment By regulating the gut-brain connection.
“We are excited to see these changes in just 12 weeks. This holds great promise for improving brain health and memory in an aging population.” said When the study results were published in March, geriatrics researcher Mary Nie Lochlain of King’s College London said:
“Unraveling the secrets of the gut-brain axis may provide new approaches to living longer, healthier lives.”
King’s College has the UK’s largest adult twin registry, and twin studies are of great value in distinguishing between the influences of genetics and environment on human health.
Previous research on rodents It has been suggested that high-fiber supplements such as inulin and FOS may “feed” the colon microbiome and allow “good” bacteria to grow.
Some of these bacterial players include This is also linked Cognitive functions of both mice and mice were improved. human.
Evidence of the close connection between the gut and the brain is increasing every year. Some experts are very confident in the results. refers to the intestines As the body’s “second brain”.
However, how these two nervous systems work together remains a mystery.
A recent twin study at KCL suggests that consuming certain “brain foods” may be a promising way to treat cognitive decline.
But while prebiotics may improve some aspects of cognitive function in aging brains, such as memory and processing time, they don’t seem to have any significant physical benefits.
Despite inulin and FOS being important factors in musculoskeletal maintenance, muscle loss did not improve in older twins taking high-fiber supplements.
“These plant fibers are cheap and available over the counter, so they have the potential to benefit a wide range of people in these cash-strapped times. They are also safe and acceptable.” said Claire Steeves, a geriatrician at KCL.
“Our next challenge is to see whether these effects persist over longer periods of time and in larger populations.”
Most of the twins in the current trial were female, and although the researchers adjusted for gender differences in their findings, they acknowledge that some selection bias may exist within the KCL twin cohort. .
That said, women are more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease, and studies like this one support the emerging idea that cognitive decline is not necessarily a brain disease, and external factors may also be involved. are.
The gut is involved in many “pies” of the body, including the immune system and central nervous system. Provides reliable nutrition to the microbiome Prebiotics and probiotics It could open the door to treatments for many illnesses and diseases.
This research nature communications.
A previous version of this article was published in March 2024.
