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The effects of Lactobacillus and/or Bifidobacterium in fermented foods on cognitive health: A systematic review
Psychobiotics, microorganisms that influence brain function through the gut–brain axis, are increasingly recognized for their potential cognitive benefits. This systematic review focuses on Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, commonly found in fermented foods, and their effects on cognitive performance in healthy adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The review adhered to EFSA guidelines, Cochrane methodology, and a PROSPERO protocol, utilizing CADIMA for study selection and data extraction. A comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library from January 1, 1970, to August 31, 2023, identified human intervention and observational studies that assessed cognitive outcomes following the ingestion of fermented foods containing Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Twenty-one studies were included, comprising eight interventional and thirteen observational studies. Findings indicated cognitive benefits, particularly in episodic memory, executive functions, and global cognition. However, the evidence was constrained by factors such as inadequate control measures, small sample sizes, short intervention durations, inconsistent assessments of cognitive domains, and incomplete characterization of food products. Observational studies, while involving larger populations and longer follow-up periods, faced limitations related to exposure assessment and cognitive testing depth. Consumption of fermented foods containing Lactobacillus and/or Bifidobacterium species may confer cognitive advantages. Nonetheless, according to EFSA guidance regarding health claim substantiation, the existing evidence is deemed “neither convincing nor sufficient” to establish a causal link. Future research comprising well-designed studies with thorough product characterization is essential to validate these effects and support potential health claims. [NPID: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, fermented foods, cognition, executive functioning, episodic memory]
Year: 2025
