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May, 2024
June, 2024
Learn why you should start your probiotics journey with Bio-K+
Our scientifically proven formulas are designed to support your unique health journey
The gut microbiome and mental well-being share a growing body of research. This educational resource covers the current science on probiotics for anxiety. Findings are promising and still emerging.
The gut and brain communicate constantly through a network of nerves, hormones, and immune signals. Researchers call this the gut-brain axis. The vagus nerve is one of the primary pathways connecting the digestive system to the brain, transmitting signals in both directions. The enteric nervous system, sometimes called the "second brain," lines the gut wall with hundreds of millions of neurons. The composition of the gut microbiome influences the signals sent through these pathways.
Researchers have identified three main pathways through which gut bacteria appear to communicate with the brain: signals through the vagus nerve, the gut's role in producing precursors to neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA, and the regulation of inflammatory cytokines that may influence brain function. Approximately 90–95% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut. GABA is the primary calming neurotransmitter, and certain gut bacteria appear involved in its production
A 2024 systematic review of 30 clinical trials found that most studies suggest a beneficial role for probiotics in relation to anxiety symptoms. Most trials used Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Bifidobacterium longum 1714 at 1 billion CFU reduced perceived stress and cortisol levels compared to placebo. A 30-day trial using Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175 found results suggesting support for mental well-being (British Journal of Nutrition, 2011).
Research confirms that IBS and anxiety frequently co-occur. A higher-than-average proportion of people with IBS also report anxiety symptoms, and this relationship is bidirectional. Gut dysfunction may influence mood signaling, and stress may, in turn, affect gut function. Some clinical trials have observed changes in both gut symptoms and anxiety-related scores in participants with IBS who used probiotic supplementation. This reflects the same gut-brain axis mechanisms described throughout this page.
Look for the full strain name, including genus, species, and alphanumeric designation. A label reading only "Lactobacillus blend" cannot be matched to clinical research. Most gut-brain studies used doses from 1 billion to 50 billion CFU. Look for potency guaranteed until the best-before or expiry date, not at manufacture. Multi-strain Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium formulas are among the most widely studied in gut-brain research.
Bio-K+ contains three proprietary strains: Lacticaseibacillus casei LBC80R®, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CLR2®, and Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285®. Potency is guaranteed until the best-before or expiry date. Original drinkables contain 50 billion CFU, guaranteed until expiry. Daily Care+ capsules contain 25 billion, guaranteed until expiry. Backed by more than 30 years of scientific research. In Canada, Bio-K+ products contribute to intestinal flora health and support gastrointestinal health. No anxiety, mood, or mental health claim is made.
In Canada, probiotic claims are regulated by Health Canada under the Natural Health Products framework for capsules and the Food and Drug Act for drinkables. Probiotics are authorized to carry claims related to intestinal flora health and gastrointestinal support, not effects on mood, anxiety, or mental health. The regulatory evidence threshold for a mental health claim has not been met. Bio-K+ follows these guidelines. All gut-brain content here is educational only.
Research into the gut-brain connection is ongoing. Several clinical studies have observed reductions in self-reported stress markers and anxiety scores in participants taking certain probiotic strains. However, evidence is not yet consistent enough to meet clinical guideline thresholds, and probiotics are not a recognized treatment for anxiety in Canada. Supporting gut health through a balanced diet and daily probiotics is a reasonable approach to well-being. Anyone experiencing anxiety should speak with a healthcare professional.
Psychobiotics is the term researchers use for probiotics that interact with the gut-brain axis in ways that may influence mental well-being. The term entered the scientific literature in 2013, and the research field has grown considerably since. Psychobiotics work through the same general mechanisms as other probiotics, supporting the gut microbiome, but have been specifically studied for effects on mood and stress-related markers. No Health Canada-authorized psychobiotic claim exists for any probiotic product currently sold in Canada.
In clinical studies, effects on mood-related markers have been observed after as little as 30 days of consistent daily use. Results vary by individual, strain, dose, and general health status. For gut health, the foundation of any potential gut-brain effect, consistent daily use over several weeks is generally recommended. Probiotics work by supporting a balanced gut microbiome over time, not as a quick-acting supplement.
IBS and anxiety frequently occur together, and research confirms a bidirectional relationship between gut dysfunction and changes in mood and stress response. Some clinical trials have observed changes in both gut symptoms and anxiety-related scores in participants with IBS who used probiotic supplementation. Anyone looking for a probiotic specifically for IBS should seek guidance from a healthcare provider.
Look for the full strain name with alphanumeric designation, not simply "Lactobacillus blend." Confirm potency is guaranteed until the best before or expiry date, not at manufacture. A multi-strain formula combining Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species covers the most extensively researched area in gut health. Choose a brand with published research behind its specific strains. Consider format, as drinkable and capsule probiotics differ in how bacteria are delivered.
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