Psychobiotics and cognition: New clinical evidence expands the scope of mental well-being
Cognitive health is emerging as a central pillar of overall well-being, shaped not only by ageing but also by modern lifestyle pressures. Chronic stress, digital overload, and sustained mental demands are now impacting cognitive performance across generations. Cognitive function encompasses a range of mental processes, including attention, memory, learning, perception, language abilities and decision-making, that are essential for individuals to realise their full potential throughout life1.
While cognitive decline has traditionally been associated with ageing, younger populations are increasingly challenged. Extended screen time, constant stimulation, and high cognitive load have brought attention, focus, and processing speed into sharp focus as areas for proactive support. Against this backdrop, interest is growing in microbiome-based solutions that interact with the gut–brain axis to support cognitive performance.
Psychobiotics, defined as specific probiotic strains that demonstrate mental health benefits via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, represent one such approach. Among the most extensively researched is Cerebiome®, a proprietary combination of L. helveticus Rosell®-52 and B. longum Rosell®-175. This formulation has been investigated for its role in modulating key neurobiological pathways, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a critical role in stress response and cognitive function.
Building on a substantial body of mechanistic and clinical research, Lallemand Health Solutions has recently completed an innovative clinical study exploring the effects of Cerebiome® on cognition, specifically attention-related measures, in healthy young adults. The 8-week, placebo-controlled study included 36 participants aged 18-35 who regularly play action video games, a population chosen for their high reliance on attention functions such as alerting, orienting, and executive control.
Participants consumed one daily capsule providing 3 billion CFU of Cerebiome® or placebo. Cognitive performance was assessed using validated tools measuring attention-related tasks such as reaction time and processing speed, The preliminary results2 in key attention-related cognitive parameters, reaction time and processing speed are promising.
These results further expand the scope of psychobiotics beyond mood and stress support, opening new perspectives in cognitive health. The study highlights the relevance of microbiome-targeted probiotics for cognitively active populations. Attention and processing speed are fundamental cognitive domains which may be associated to everyday functioning and performance. In the broader context, considering that engagement in stimulating cognitive activities is recommended to support long-term brain health, probiotics could provide important support in the maintenance of cognitive abilities in healthy aging.
From a formulation standpoint, Cerebiome® is compatible with a wide range of delivery formats and complementary ingredients, including vitamins, vegetable extracts and minerals, enabling its integration into multifunctional cognitive health solutions. Potential areas of communication include support for cognitive function, attention abilities, and processing speed, subject to regional regulatory frameworks.
As scientific understanding of the microbiota-gut-brain axis continues to evolve, psychobiotics are positioned to play an increasingly strategic role in cognitive health innovation. This latest clinical research on Cerebiome® reinforces the concept that targeted probiotic interventions may help support cognitive performance as part of a holistic approach to mental well-being across life stages. Beyond Cerebiome®, additional probiotic solutions like L. rhamnosus HA-114 complete Lallemand’s offer for cognition.
References:
- Kiely, K.M. (2014). Cognitive Function. In: Michalos, A.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_426
- These results should not be considered definitive, as the manuscript is currently under peer review and may be revised.
