Probiotics Impact on Cognitive Ability and Emotionsin Adolescents: A Brain-Gut Axis Study

The Gut-Brain Axis (GBA) is a bidirectional communication system between the central nervous system (CNS) and the enteric nervous system (ENS), with recent research highlighting the key role of gut microbiota in regulating GBA functions. This study aims to explore the effects of probiotics on adolescents’ cognitive abilities, memory, and emotions. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 15 healthy adolescents aged 15 to 18, randomly assigned to a treatment group receiving probiotics and a control group receiving a placebo. The study included baseline assessments, a four-week intervention, and post-intervention evaluations using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The MoCA scores showed significant cognitive improvement in the treatment group, while the control group’s improvement was not significant. PANAS scores indicated a significant increase in positive emotions in the treatment group, with no notable changes in the control group. The results support the hypothesis that probiotics positively impact adolescent cognitive function and emotional state by regulating gut microbiota. Despite the limited sample size, this study provides preliminary scientific evidence for the potential therapeutic application of probiotics in adolescents. Future studies should include larger sample sizes and longer intervention periods to further validate these findings.