Clinical research found that probiotics that support healthy gut function can also support healthy brain function.
Did you know that your intestines hold trillions of bacterial cells that contribute to your health on an everyday basis? Our gastrointestinal (GI) tract or “gut” houses a diverse population of “friendly” bacteria (technically “the gut microbiome”) that are symbiotic with us—they support our health and wellbeing as we give them food and shelter. The two probiotics in ProBrainBiotics have been put through two double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials and were found to benefit healthy intestinal function, mood, and coping with occasional anxiety possibly related to stressful experiences.
To properly appreciate probiotics, it is crucial to understand that each probiotic species will typically have various strains (think of them as subspecies), each of which is meaningfully different from other strains in both genetic character and biological function. The strains used in ProBrainBiotics are the same as those that proved beneficial in the two double-blind clinical trials.1,2
First Clinical Trial with Pro-Brain Probiotics
In a 2008 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with healthy volunteers, gastrointestinal discomforts thought to be related to occasional stress were noticeably improved by a combination of Lactobacillus helveticus Strain R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum Strain R0175 taken daily for three weeks.1 The probiotic combination used in this trial is identical to the ProBrainBiotics formula, and used at the same potency (3 billion CFU or colony forming units).
Second Clinical Trial Finds Brain Benefits
Another double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with this very same combination of probiotic strains, at the very same dosage, was published in 2011. Taken for 30 days, it was found to measurably promote healthy mood and to assist in coping with occasional anxiety likely related to occasional stress.2,3 These improvements were statistically significant when compared to the placebo group. This probiotic combination is unique for its benefits to mood as well as gastrointestinal comfort.
Clinical Trial References
1. Diop L, others. Nutrition Research 28:1 (2008).
2. Messaoudi M, others. British Journal of Nutrition 105:755 (2011); addendum in Messaoudi M, others. Gut Microbes 2:256 (2011).
Ingredients & Facts
Lactobacillus helveticus Strain R0052
Helps maintain the healthy intestinal structure, healthy intestinal immune function, and healthy makeup of the gut microbiome.
• Efficiently implants in the intestine after oral intake
• Supports the tight “seal” of the gut lining that prevents leakage of intestinal contents into the surrounding tissues.
• Supports healthy immunity
Bifidobacterium longum Strain R0175
Bifidobacteria are important contributors to intestinal health by helping to digest complex carbohydrates and producing substantial amounts of short chain fatty acids that have a strong positive influence on the cells that line the intestine. The clinical trials indicate this particular strain of bifidobacterium works particularly well with Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 as a dietary supplement for overall intestinal health and for coping with occasional stress.
|Serving Size 1 Capsule
Servings Per Container 60
|Amount Per Serving||% DV|
|2.7 billion CFU1||†|
|0.3 billion CFU1||†|
|1CFU = Colony-Forming Unit, number of live bacteria
† Daily Value (DV) not established.
|Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (vegetarian capsule), potato starch, magnesium stearate.
CONTAINS DAIRY (traces), SOY (traces), Free from gluten, wheat, yeast, eggs, corn, artificial colors or preservatives.
Refrigeration not required. Store in a cool, dry place, away from light. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Dr. Amen talks about ProBrainBiotics
ProBrainBiotics supports healthy intestinal comfort, while also helping support healthy mood and coping with occasional anxiety possibly related to times of stress.
Lactobacillus helveticus (previously called Lactobacillus acidophilus) Strain R0052
Helps maintain the healthy intestinal structure, healthy intestinal immune function, and healthy makeup of the gut microbiome. Efficiently implants in the intestine after oral intake, supports the tight “seal” of the gut lining that prevents leakage of intestinal contents into the surrounding tissues, and supports healthy immunity.
Bifidobacterium longum Strain R0175
Optimizing gut health is a key nutritional component in supporting brain function. The enteric microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria that outnumber the cells in our body by a ratio of 10:1, and there is increasing evidence in the literature that alterations in its composition can induce neurochemical changes in the brain that significantly impacts our mood and ability to regulate stress. A clinical trial in the general population of healthy adults where participants took a combination of Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum for a 30 day time frame demonstrate improved mood and a reduction in anxiety and stress.1,2 This suggests that the use of probiotics can serve to support gut microbiome function and a healthy mood.
- Messaoudi M, Lalonde R, Violle N, et al. Assessment of psychotropic-like properties of a probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175) in rats and human subjects. Br J Nutr. Mar 2011;105(5):755-764.
- Messaoudi M, Violle N, Bisson JF, Desor D, Javelot H, Rougeot C. Beneficial psychological effects of a probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175) in healthy human volunteers. Gut microbes. Jul-Aug 2011;2(4):256-261.