Klaire Labs' Target gb-X™ with Ecologic® Barrier Decreases Cognitive Reactivity to Sad Mood Mood
It has long been recognized that gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with mood.1 In recent years it has become clear that the intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the bidirectional communication between the intestines and the brain. Intestinal barrier function support is one of the mechanisms of the gut-brain axis by which the microbiota plays an influential role.
Benefits of Ecologic Barrier
The probiotic species in the Ecologic® Barrier formulation were specifically selected for their ability to strengthen the integrity of the intestinal barrier function.
Ecologic Barrier Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species have demonstrated:2
- Improvement in barrier function and tight junction integrity
- Inflammation modulation through mast cell activation regulation
- Modulation of cytokines
- Decrease in circulating lipopolysaccharides (microbial endotoxins)
Ecologic Barrier Preclinical and Clinical Trials
Although it is generally accepted that dietary changes have the most significant impact on microbiome diversity, a preclinical study in both animals and humans demonstrated that Ecologic Barrier can alleviate cognitive reactivity and vulnerability independent of the subject’s diet.3,4 These results are potentially explained by the alteration that was found in gene expression in the brain, immune markers, and metabolite profiles.3
But animal studies do not always predict efficacy in humans. To further confirm the preclinical results, a clinical trial in humans was conducted to evaluate cognitive reactivity to sad mood, a well-recognized marker of risk for more serious mood alterations. After four weeks of supplementation with Ecologic Barrier, healthy participants experienced a reduction in rumination, aggressive thoughts, and reactivity.3
These results suggest that probiotics such as Ecologic Barrier can positively influence mood through the gut-brain axis. Follow up research is being planned to further assess and understand these effects.
Klaire Labs guest author:
Dr. Jessica Brandes
Jessica is a board-certified Naturopathic Doctor who earned her doctorate from the CNME-accredited National College of National Medicine. A former New Yorker, Jessica did her undergraduate work at NYU. She is a member of the AANP and the OANP and holds a certification in the use of advanced IV treatments from the IIVNTP.
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