Early-life cognitive effects of prebiotics and probiotics: A cross-species systematic review

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#probiotics #prebiotics #animals #humans #cognition

Early-life cognitive effects of prebiotics and probiotics: A cross-species systematic review

Sal-Sarria et al., 2025 | Behav Brain Res | Systematic Review

Citation

Sal-Sarria Saúl, Burnet Philip W J. Early-life cognitive effects of prebiotics and probiotics: A cross-species systematic review. Behav Brain Res. 2025-Oct-18;495:115789. doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2025.115789

Abstract

This systematic review evaluated the effects of prebiotic and probiotic interventions on early-life cognitive development in animal models and humans. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 39 studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. In rodents, probiotics -mainly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains- consistently improved spatial learning, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, particularly under conditions of early-life stress and neuroinflammation. Porcine models showed partial benefits in learning and memory, though several studies reported neutral outcomes. Human trials yielded mixed findings: some demonstrated improvements in language, attention, or adaptive behavior, while others observed no significant cognitive effects. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of neurotransmitter systems, reduced neuroinflammation, restoration of blood-brain barrier integrity, and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Overall, preclinical evidence strongly supports the cognitive benefits of microbiota-targeted interventions, but translation to humans remains uncertain due to methodological heterogeneity, species differences, and the limited number of pediatric studies. Future research should focus on longitudinal human trials, direct comparisons between prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic approaches, and the inclusion of sex as a biological variable.

Key Findings

some demonstrated improvements in language, attention, or adaptive behavior, while others observed no significant cognitive effects. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of neurotransmitter systems, reduced neuroinflammation, restoration of blood-brain barrier integrity, and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Overall, preclinical evidence strongly supports the cognitive benefits of microbiota-targeted interventions, but translation to humans remains uncertain due to methodo

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 39
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Probiotics
  • Prebiotics
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Cognition
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: probiotics

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09