When to eat probiotics
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Optimal Timing for Probiotic Consumption: Insights from Recent Research
Introduction to Probiotics and Their Benefits
Probiotics, live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when consumed in adequate amounts, have been extensively studied for their positive effects on various health outcomes. These benefits range from improving gut health and immune function to enhancing mental well-being and aiding in weight management. However, the optimal timing for consuming probiotics to maximize these benefits remains a topic of interest.
Probiotics and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
A study on community-dwelling older adults revealed that a 12-week regimen of probiotics containing Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium longum significantly improved mental flexibility and reduced stress levels compared to a placebo group1. This suggests that consistent, long-term consumption of probiotics can positively impact cognitive function and mood in older adults.
Probiotics and General Health in Healthy Adults
A comprehensive review of probiotic supplementation in healthy adults highlighted several benefits, including transient improvements in gut microbiota, enhanced immune responses, and better gastrointestinal health2. However, the review also noted that these benefits are often temporary, indicating the need for regular and sustained probiotic intake to maintain positive outcomes.
Probiotics and Eating Behaviors Post-Surgery
In a study involving patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, probiotic supplementation starting on the seventh postoperative day and continuing for 90 days significantly reduced symptoms of food addiction and binge eating one year after surgery4. This underscores the importance of initiating probiotic consumption early in the postoperative period to achieve long-term benefits in eating behaviors.
Probiotics in Weight Management Programs
Research on obese individuals participating in a weight-reducing program found that probiotic supplementation during both the weight loss and maintenance phases led to increased satiety, reduced hunger, and improved eating behaviors, particularly in women5. This indicates that probiotics can be beneficial when consumed consistently throughout a structured weight management program.
Probiotics and Gastrointestinal Health
Probiotics have been shown to be effective in managing various gastrointestinal conditions, including diarrhea and inflammatory bowel diseases, by altering the gut microbiota composition6. Regular consumption of probiotics is recommended to maintain these benefits and prevent the recurrence of gastrointestinal issues.
Conclusion
The timing of probiotic consumption plays a crucial role in maximizing their health benefits. For cognitive and mood improvements in older adults, a consistent, long-term intake is essential. In the context of weight management and postoperative recovery, initiating probiotic supplementation early and maintaining it throughout the program can lead to significant improvements in eating behaviors and overall health. Regular and sustained consumption is also necessary to maintain gastrointestinal health and immune function in healthy adults. Therefore, incorporating probiotics into daily routines and adhering to a consistent schedule is key to reaping their full benefits.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Probiotic Supplementation Improves Cognitive Function and Mood with Changes in Gut Microbiota in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial
Probiotics improve mental flexibility and reduce stress in healthy older adults, while also causing changes in gut microbiota.
RCT
Highly CitedA review of probiotic supplementation in healthy adults: helpful or hype?
Probiotic supplementation in healthy adults can improve immune system responses, gut microbiota concentration, and gastrointestinal health, but does not consistently cause persistent changes or improve blood lipid profile.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedProbiotics (Direct-Fed Microbials) in Poultry Nutrition and Their Effects on Nutrient Utilization, Growth and Laying Performance, and Gut Health: A Systematic Review
Probiotics can enhance poultry growth and gut health, offering a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in production.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly CitedPROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTATION ATTENUATES BINGE EATING AND FOOD ADDICTION 1 YEAR AFTER ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS: A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL
Probiotic supplementation for 90 days after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery may decrease food addiction symptoms and binge eating score up to 1 year after surgery compared to controls.
RCTEffects of a Diet-Based Weight-Reducing Program with Probiotic Supplementation on Satiety Efficiency, Eating Behaviour Traits, and Psychosocial Behaviours in Obese Individuals
Probiotic supplementation during a diet-based weight-reducing program improves satiety efficiency, reduces food cravings, and improves body image in obese individuals.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedProbiotics and gastrointestinal conditions: An overview of evidence from the Cochrane Collaboration.
Probiotics may help treat gastrointestinal conditions by modifying gut microbiota composition and activity, but more research is needed to fill research gaps.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedThe combined effects of probiotics and restricted calorie diet on the anthropometric indices, eating behavior, and hormone levels of obese women with food addiction: a randomized clinical trial
Probiotic supplementation combined with a restricted calorie diet may improve anthropometric indices, eating behavior, and appetite-regulating hormones in obese women with food addiction.
RCTProbiotics improve gut microbiota dysbiosis in obese mice fed a high-fat or high-sucrose diet.
Probiotics treatment can slow weight gain and improve gut microbiota dysbiosis in obese mice on both high-fat and high-sucrose diets, with greater effectiveness in high-sucrose diet-induced obesity.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyHighly CitedThe implication of probiotics in the prevention of dental caries
Probiotics can effectively prevent dental caries and periodontal infection by improving oral health and supporting gut health.
Highly CitedThe effects of probiotics administration on the gut microbiome in adolescents with anorexia nervosa—A study protocol for a longitudinal, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Probiotics may help normalize gut microbiome composition, reduce inflammation, and gastrointestinal discomfort, and increase body weight in adolescents with anorexia nervosa.
RCT