Effect of gut microbiome modulation on muscle function and cognition: the PROMOTe randomised controlled trial

Studies suggest that inducing gut microbiota changes may alter both muscle physiology and cognitive behaviour. Gut microbiota may play a role in both anabolic resistance of older muscle, and cognition. In this placebo controlled double blinded randomised controlled trial of 36 twin pairs (72 individuals), aged ≥60, each twin pair are block randomised to receive either placebo or prebiotic daily for 12 weeks. Resistance exercise and branched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation is prescribed to all participants. Outcomes are physical function and cognition. The trial is carried out remotely using video visits, online questionnaires and cognitive testing, and posting of equipment and biological samples. The prebiotic supplement is well tolerated and results in a changed gut microbiome [e.g., increased relative Bifidobacterium abundance]. There is no significant difference between prebiotic and placebo for the primary outcome of chair rise time (β = 0.579; 95% CI -1.080-2.239 p = 0.494). The prebiotic improves cognition (factor score versus placebo (β = -0.482; 95% CI,-0.813, -0.141; p = 0.014)). Our results demonstrate that cheap and readily available gut microbiome interventions may improve cognition in our ageing population. We illustrate the feasibility of remotely delivered trials for older people, which could reduce under-representation of older people in clinical trials. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04309292.

Author/s:

Mary Ni Lochlainn, Ruth C E Bowyer, Janne Marie Moll, María Paz García, Samuel Wadge, Andrei-Florin Baleanu, Ayrun Nessa, Alyce Sheedy, Gulsah Akdag, Deborah Hart, Giulia Raffaele, Paul T Seed, Caroline Murphy, Stephen D R Harridge, Ailsa A Welch, Carolyn Greig, Kevin Whelan, Claire J Steves

Making Sense of Probiotics and Prebiotics – What We Know, Have Yet to Learn

Jeffrey Wilson — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 19:39:37 +0000

Date Added:

August 28, 2018

Journal/Publication:

Individualized Medicine Blog

Publisher:

Mayo Clinic

Publication Date:

September 21, 2017

URL:

Making Sense of Probiotics and Prebiotics – What We Know, Have Yet to Learn

Type:

Patient Education Materials

Format:

Web Page

Keywords

MeSH

gastrointestinal microbiome

This article published in the Mayo Clinic Newsletter defines and explains the terms, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics.

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They are everywhere – foods and supplements containing bacteria that claim to improve your gut health and overall wellness. Can these bacteria improve your digestion, boost your immune system and even combat disease?

Author/s:

Rosen, Sharon