Probiotic modulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis – a role for gender and age

There are differences between men and women in almost every aspect of health and physiology. Emerging literature suggests that males may be more susceptible to early life trauma, while females appear to be significantly more impacted in adolescence and the impact is strongest for stress-related conditions. The evidence from several studies suggests that probiotics may be used to improve gut-brain wellness, which may directly impact brain health on a case-by-case basis.

Over the last few years there has been an increase in studies which demonstrate that gut microbiota has a key role in the neurobiology of mental health and related disorders, with specific differences observed between males and females, which are further accentuated during critical periods of change through the lifespan. These studies do point to promising progress in investigating the role of gut microbiota and utility of probiotic interventions in addressing mental health-related symptoms. However, more gender-focused studies, as well as documentation of gender gaps, are needed to fully understand and expand on these differences. Read IPA’s article on the blog : LINK