It’s important to note, says David Mharakurwa, Director of Sales, APAC and MEA, at Clasado Biosciences that this field of study — particularly the connection between gut health and cognitive function — is still relatively new.
There is much left to uncover and ongoing research continues to shed light on the complex relationships at play. One area that has attracted specific attention is the gut-brain axis.
This represents a bidirectional communication network between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract. In layperson’s terms, the gut and the brain can send and receive signals to each other.
This complex interplay involves neural, endocrine and immune pathways, suggesting a potential impact of gut health on cognitive function and mental well-being.
As our understanding of this relationship deepens, it becomes increasingly clear that focusing on gut health with targeted nutritional supplementation, such as with prebiotics, may offer promising avenues to support cognitive health.
Prebiotics, non-digestible fibres (although not all fibre is prebiotic) that selectively nourish beneficial gut bacteria, appear to be able to modulate the gut-brain axis.
By encouraging the growth of health-promoting bacteria and supporting the production of beneficial metabolites, prebiotics could influence various aspects of brain function and mental health.
This connection presents intriguing possibilities for formulators in the health and nutrition space to develop innovative products that address the growing consumer interest in cognitive health support.
There is clear market potential here for product categories such as nootropics that enhance cognitive function in markets such as e-sports.1
One of the key mechanisms through which the gut-brain axis operates is the production and release of neurotransmitters. Interestingly, the gut produces many of the same neurotransmitters as the brain, including serotonin.
In fact, approximately 90% of the body’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood and sleep, originates in the gut.2
Additionally, certain gut bacteria, such as many species of bifidobacteria, are known to produce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major neuroinhibitory neurotransmitter linked to behavioural disorders, pain and sleep regulation.2,3
Changing our relationship with cognitive health
Throughout the health science ecosystem, we are seeing a more engaged and proactive end user. The global health consumer’s relationship with cognitive health is evolving rapidly, driven by a convergence of factors including an ageing population, increased stress levels and a growing understanding of the mind-body connection.
Today's shoppers are seeking cognitive health support for a diverse range of reasons, from enhancing focus and productivity in a fast-paced work environment to maintaining mental acuity in later life.
This shift is reflected in the surge of innovation within the health and nutrition market. We’re seeing a clear proliferation of products targeting various aspects of cognitive health, from nootropics that promise greater concentration to supplements aimed at reducing stress and anxiety.
Moreover, there’s a growing interest in natural, holistic approaches to cognitive health, with consumers increasingly recognising the interconnectedness of gut health, nutrition and mental well-being. This trend is opening up exciting new avenues for product development in the cognitive health space.
The potential impact of prebiotics on stress, anxiety and cognitive function
Emerging research suggests that prebiotics may have a role in stress management and anxiety reduction. Some studies indicate that prebiotic supplementation may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a major neuroendocrine system involved in the stress response.
For instance, a study involving healthy individuals found that daily supplementation with a specific galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) prebiotic for 3 weeks was associated with lower waking cortisol reactivity and increased vigilance to positive stimuli compared with a placebo.4
These findings suggest that prebiotics might help to maintain an appropriate stress response, possibly by modulating the activity of the HPA axis through changes in the gut microbiota.
The gut’s ability to produce neurotransmitters and neuroactive compounds may explain some of these effects. For example, changes in GABA levels have been linked with behavioural disorders and sleep issues, which are often associated with elevated stress levels.
By promoting the growth of GABA-producing bacteria, prebiotics may indirectly influence these stress-related conditions.5
The potential benefits of prebiotics may extend beyond stress management to broader aspects of mental health and cognitive function.
A clinical trial involving individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) found that consuming a GOS prebiotic for 4 weeks was associated with reduced anxiety and improved quality of life (QOL) compared with placebo treatment.6
Moreover, preliminary research suggests the gut-brain axis may play a role in neurodevelopmental conditions. A study involving children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) on an exclusion diet reported improvements in social behaviour scores following supplementation with a GOS prebiotic for 6 weeks.7
Although these findings are intriguing, it's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play and to confirm these initial observations.
Addressing diverse consumer needs and future directions
As we consider the potential applications of gut-brain axis modulation, it's important to recognise the diverse needs of different consumer groups. Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) research highlighted an interesting split in cognitive health priorities across age groups.8
It was seen that, generally, older consumers tend to focus on maintaining cognitive capabilities and potentially preventing age-related decline, whereas younger individuals often seek products that may enhance focus and energy.
This diversity in consumer needs presents both a challenge and an opportunity for formulators to develop tailored solutions that address specific cognitive health goals throughout the lifespan.
Interestingly, the gut-brain axis may also have implications for sleep quality, an aspect of cognitive health that is seeing increased demand.
The American Psychological Association (APA) has highlighted the bidirectional relationship between stress and sleep, noting that stress can easily disrupt sleep patterns whereas poor sleep can exacerbate stress.
Given the potential role of the gut microbiome in stress regulation, prebiotics may offer an interesting avenue to support healthy sleep patterns.
For formulators looking to explore the growing interest in the gut-brain axis, there are numerous application possibilities to consider.
Although traditional dietary supplements remain a popular choice for gut health focused products, delivery formats such as gummies and functional beverages are gaining traction among consumers seeking convenient ways to support their gut microbiome health.
However, it’s crucial to ensure that these products contain appropriate doses of functional ingredients to align with the available research.
As we continue to investigate the complexities of the gut-brain axis, it’s clear that prebiotics hold significant potential. By supporting a healthy gut microbiome, these functional ingredients may offer a holistic approach to exploring mental well-being, stress management and cognitive function.
At Clasado Biosciences, we’re committed to advancing the science of prebiotics and their potential role in supporting the gut-brain axis. Our proprietary galacto-oligosaccharide ingredient, Bimuno GOS, is an example of how science can form the heart of a product.
Its demonstrated efficacy in areas such as gastrointestinal, immune and cognitive health, and is supported by more than 120 scientific publications, including 20-plus clinical trials.
As the most comprehensively studied commercially available GOS that offers prebiotic functionality from a daily dose of 1.37 g of GOS, it enables formulators to directly meet the rising consumer demand for scientifically backed products.
As scientific understanding of the human body continues to gather pace, the gut-brain axis represents a fascinating frontier in health and nutrition science, with prebiotics emerging as a key area of interest in this intricate relationship.
For brands seeking the next generation of nutraceutical innovation, the opportunity for science-backed products exploring cognitive health through gut microbiome modulation is more promising than ever.
By harnessing the potential of prebiotics and the gut-brain axis, we can work towards a future in which cognitive health support is an integral part of overall wellness strategies, potentially empowering individuals to thrive mentally and emotionally throughout their lives.
References
- www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/nootropics-market.
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6005194/.
- C.G. Wong, et al., “GABA, Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid, and Neurological Disease,” Ann. Neurol. 54(Suppl. 6), S3–S12 (2003).
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4410136/#:~:text=The%20salivary%20cortisol%20awakening%20response%20was%20significantly%20lower%20after%20B,GOS%20compared%20to%20placebo%20intake.
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gtc.2016.09.007.
- D.B.A. Silk, et al., “Clinical Trial: The Effects of a Trans-Galactooligosaccharide Prebiotic on Faecal Microbiota and Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome,” Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 29(5), 508–518 (2009).
- R. Grimaldi, et al., “A Prebiotic Intervention Study in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs),” Microbiome 6(1), 133 (2018).
- https://www.linkedin.com/events/7223870586450591746/comments/.