New Study Reveals Specific Probiotic Strain Improves Mood and Sleep in Older Adults
A recent clinical trial has identified a specific probiotic strain, Pediococcus acidilactici PA53, that significantly improves mood, sleep quality, and digestive comfort in healthy adults aged 55 to 70. The eight-week study involved 75 participants who were randomized into either a probiotic group receiving 30 billion CFU of PA53 daily or a placebo group. Researchers monitored gut bacteria composition, blood inflammatory markers, and used validated scales to assess happiness, sleep, gastrointestinal symptoms, and stress. Participants taking PA53 reported a 12.7% improvement in happiness, a 23% improvement in sleep quality, and nearly a 10% reduction in GI symptom scores. The study also noted a decrease in inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α, and an increase in IL-25, a cytokine that regulates immune balance. These findings suggest a strong connection between gut microbiome changes and improvements in mental well-being and sleep.
