Probiotic trials suggest cognitive-score gains, but confidence remains low
A review of randomized trials found possible gains on cognitive tests, with low or very low confidence in the evidence.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Some cognitive test scores favored probiotic supplementation, but the review describes the evidence as highly uncertain. The results concern performance on specific tests; the abstract does not establish improvements in everyday thinking or functioning. Adverse-event findings also remained uncertain, so this review does not provide a firm conclusion about benefit or safety.
The abstract uses both low and very low certainty language for cognitive findings, making outcome-specific confidence difficult to interpret. It also omits control conditions and participants' underlying cognitive diagnoses.
What cognition meant here
Researchers assessed cognition using the Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment and a categorical fluency test. The abstract reports favorable score differences, while repeatedly cautioning that the evidence supporting those differences is uncertain.
Safety also remains uncertain
The adverse-event analysis did not show a statistically clear difference in risk. Its very low certainty means it cannot establish comparable safety, and the abstract does not describe which probiotic formulations or control treatments were used.
The original publication
Efficacy and safety of probiotic supplements on cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Calzada-Gonzales N, Moreno-Colina I, Chu-Fuentes L et al.
BMC Complement Med Ther · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41291638
- Record checked
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