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Effects of the Human Gut Microbiota on Cognitive Performance, Brain Structure and Function: A Narrative Review
Enhancing or preserving cognitive performance of personnel working in stressful, demanding and/or high tempo environments is vital for optimal performance. Emerging research suggests that the human gut microbiota may provide a potential avenue to enhance cognition. This review examines the relations...
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Formato: | Online Artículo Texto |
Lenguaje: | English |
Publicado: |
MDPI
2020
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Acceso en línea: | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7601389/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33007941 http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu12103009 |
Sumario: | Enhancing or preserving cognitive performance of personnel working in stressful, demanding and/or high tempo environments is vital for optimal performance. Emerging research suggests that the human gut microbiota may provide a potential avenue to enhance cognition. This review examines the relationship between the human gut microbiota, including modulators of the microbiota on cognition and/or brain function. For this narrative review, a total of n = 17 relevant human research items of a possible 1765 published between January 2010 and November 2018 were identified. Two overarching design methods for synthesis were observed: correlational or pre/post intervention. Limited correlational design studies linking microbiota to cognitive/brain structure endpoints existed (n = 5); however, correlations between microbiota diversity and enhanced cognitive flexibility and executive function were observed. Gut microbiota intervention studies to improve cognition or brain function (n = 12) generally resulted in improved cognition (11/12), in which improvements were observed in visuospatial memory, verbal learning and memory, and aspects of attentional vigilance. Limited studies were available to draw a detailed conclusion; however, available evidence suggests that gut microbiota is linked to cognitive performance and that manipulation of gut microbiota could be a promising avenue for enhancing cognition which warrants further research. |
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