Nootropic profile
Psychobiotics
Psychobiotics are specific strains of probiotic bacteria that produce measurable effects on brain function and mental health through the gut-brain axis. Research has identified particular strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that can reduce anxiety, improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and modulate the stress response.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Psychobiotics?
Psychobiotics is a term coined by psychiatrist Ted Dinan and neuroscientist John Cryan in 2013, referring to live organisms that, when ingested in adequate amounts, produce a health benefit in patients suffering from psychiatric illness.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- General probiotic dose: 1-10 billion CFU (colony forming units) per day of targeted psychobiotic strains
- Research-backed strains: L. rhamnosus JB-1, B. longum 1714, L. helveticus R0052, B. longum R0175 (Probio'Stick/Cerebiome), L. plantarum PS128
- Combination products: Multi-strain psychobiotic formulas typically provide 10-50 billion CFU per day
- Prebiotic support: Combining psychobiotics with prebiotic fibre (galactooligosaccharides, inulin) enhances colonisation and SCFA production
- Duration: Effects typically require 4-8 weeks of consistent daily use to manifest
Watch out for
- Side effects: Generally very well tolerated. Mild GI symptoms (bloating, gas, changes in bowel habits) are common initially and typically resolve within 1-2...
- Immunocompromised individuals: Those with severely compromised immune systems should consult a doctor before taking any probiotics, as rare cases of...
- SIBO: Those with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may experience worsening symptoms with some probiotic strains.
- Histamine: Some probiotic strains produce histamine. Those with histamine intolerance should choose low-histamine strains (e.g. B. longum, L. rhamnosus) and...
- Pregnancy: Probiotics are generally considered safe during pregnancy and may even be beneficial for maternal and infant health.
The science, if you're curious.
- Gut bacteria directly produce neurotransmitters and their precursors. Lactobacillus species produce GABA and acetylcholine, Bifidobacterium produces GABA,...
- Psychobiotic strains communicate with the brain via the vagus nerve. Studies have shown that the anxiolytic effects of L. rhamnosus JB-1 are abolished when...
- Specific strains reduce cortisol output by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, improving stress resilience and reducing the cognitive...
- Psychobiotics reduce systemic and neuroinflammation by strengthening gut barrier integrity, reducing LPS translocation, and modulating immune cell activity.
Where to find it
- Targeted psychobiotic supplements: Products specifically formulated with researched strains (e.g. Cerebiome, Zenflore)
- Fermented foods: Yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha contain beneficial bacteria, though specific psychobiotic strains may not be present
- Multi-strain probiotics: Broad-spectrum probiotic supplements that include some psychobiotic strains
- Prebiotic foods: Garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and oats feed beneficial gut bacteria
- Synbiotic supplements: Products combining psychobiotic strains with prebiotic fibre for enhanced effectiveness
Frequently asked
Psychobiotics are specific strains of probiotic bacteria that produce measurable effects on brain function and mental health through the gut-brain axis. Research has identified particular strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that can reduce anxiety, improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and modulate the stress response.
The main benefits people report from Psychobiotics are: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Memory, Mood, Sleep, Stress Relief.
General probiotic dose: 1-10 billion CFU (colony forming units) per day of targeted psychobiotic strainsResearch-backed strains: L. rhamnosus JB-1, B. longum 1714, L. helveticus R0052, B. longum R0175 (Probio'Stick/Cerebiome), L. plantarum PS128Combination products: Multi-strain psychobiotic fo...
Side effects: Generally very well tolerated. Mild GI symptoms (bloating, gas, changes in bowel habits) are common initially and typically resolve within 1-2...Immunocompromised individuals: Those with severely compromised immune systems should consult a doctor before taking any probiotics, as rare c...
Gut bacteria directly produce neurotransmitters and their precursors. Lactobacillus species produce GABA and acetylcholine, Bifidobacterium produces GABA,...Psychobiotic strains communicate with the brain via the vagus nerve. Studies have shown that the anxiolytic effects of L. rhamnosus JB-1 are ab...
Rate Psychobiotics
Log in to leave an overall rating.
What people are saying
Log in to leave a comment.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your experience.