London, England – A groundbreaking twin study conducted at King’s College London reveals promising results for aging individuals looking to boost their brain health. The study suggests that incorporating daily protein and prebiotic supplements into one’s diet could enhance cognitive function in people over the age of 60, potentially improving memory and learning abilities.
For the first time, researchers explored the impact of plant fiber prebiotics, such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), on the aging brain. These non-digestible consumables play a crucial role in stimulating gut microbes, which are increasingly being linked to overall health and cognitive function.
The double-blinded trial involved 36 twin pairs aged 60 and above, with one twin receiving a daily prebiotic and protein powder while the other twin received a placebo in a protein powder. After three months, the twins who unknowingly consumed inulin or FOS demonstrated higher scores on cognitive tests, indicating improved brain function.
Moreover, the study found that the daily fiber supplements led to changes in the gut microbiome, particularly an increase in beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium. Previous research on mice suggests that Bifidobacterium plays a role in reducing cognitive deficits by regulating gut-brain connections, highlighting the potential benefits of these supplements for brain health.
Dr. Mary Ni Lochlainn, a geriatric medicine researcher at King’s College London, expressed excitement over the study’s findings, emphasizing the promise it holds for enhancing brain health in the aging population. The results suggest that unlocking the secrets of the gut-brain axis could offer new approaches to improving overall health and quality of life as individuals age.
While the study focused on cognitive function and memory, researchers noted that physical benefits, such as improvements in muscle loss, were not significantly observed among the aging twins taking high-fiber supplements. Despite this, the affordability and availability of plant fibers like inulin and FOS make them a promising option for a wide range of individuals looking to support their brain health.
Moving forward, researchers aim to investigate whether the effects of these supplements are sustainable over longer periods and in larger groups of people. The study’s publication in Nature Communications underscores the importance of exploring the potential of prebiotics and probiotics in managing various health conditions and diseases through gut microbiome regulation.