Gut-Brain Axis

Diagram illustrating the gut-brain axis, showing connections between the gut microbiota, vagus nerve, and brain regions involved in stress and emotions

A complex, bidirectional communications network exists between the gut and the central nervous system which includes the brain, spinal cord, hormonal pathways and the gut associated lymphoid tissue (the gut’s immune system or GALT). Imbalances in the gut can result in toxin leakage, inflammation, and related mood and cognition symptoms including brain fog, anxiety, and stress.

Clinical studies have demonstrated the psychobiotic power of OMNi-BiOTiC® Stress Release with outcomes including improved mood, decision making, cognitive understanding, and memory.

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The PROVIT Study-Effects of Multi-species Probiotic Add-on Treatment on Metabolomics in Major Depressive Disorder-A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Author/Year: Kreuzer et al; 2022
Study Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Key findings include:
Shift toward significantly higher levels of:
  • Butyrate
  • Alanine
  • Valine
  • Isoleucine
  • Sarcosine
  • Methylamine
  • Lysine
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"Effects of Probiotic Strains on Disease Activity and Enteric Permeability in Psoriatic Arthritis–A Pilot Open-Label Study"
Year Published: 2020
Study Type: pilot, open-label study
Related Omni-Biotic Formulation: Stress Release

In this pilot study, ten psoriatic arthritis patients with low to medium disease activity received Omni-Biotic Stress Release for 12 weeks. Probiotic intake resulted in a reduction of disease activity and gut permeability as evidenced by analysis of zonulin, α1-antitrypsin, calprotectin, and peripheral immune phenotyping.
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"Influence of 4-week multi-strain probiotic administration on resting state functional connectivity in healthy volunteers"
Year Published: 2019
Study Type: double blind, randomized controlled trial
Related Omni-Biotic Formulation: Stress Release

Functional brain connectivity changes were observed in the default mode network, salience network, and middle and superior frontal gyrus network among three groups randomly assigned to receive a probiotic formulation, a placebo, or nothing at all (controls). The Omni-Biotic Stress Release probiotic group showed a significant increase in salience network activity (associated with increased attention, perception, cognition) and significant decrease in default mode network and MFGN activity (associated with reduced distraction and improved reasoning, decision-making, learning, and creativity).
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"Probiotics drive gut microbiome triggering emotional brain signatures"
Year Published: 2018
Study Type: double blind, randomized controlled trial
Related Omni-Biotic Formulation: Stress Release

Behavioral analysis was performed on individuals randomized to three groups, those receiving a probiotic formulation, a placebo, or nothing at all (controls). The Omni-Biotic Stress Release probiotic group showed a significant increase in positive mental disposition as well as decreased vulnerability to depression, hopelessness, and risk aversion. The probiotic group also demonstrated more stable decision making and recall when challenged with unpleasant stimuli.
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"Effects of an oral synbiotic on the gastrointestinal immune system and microbiota in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome"
Year Published: 2019
Study Type: observational trial
Related Omni-Biotic Formulation: Stress Release

Symptomatic IBS-D patients were given a 4-week regimen of the Omni-Biotic Stress Release probiotic formulation. Analysis before and after the probiotic regimen demonstrated increases in microbiota diversity and nourishing short chain fatty acid production as well as reduced colonic CD4+ T cells (immune cells which are increased in IBS) and fecal zonulin (protein associated with intestinal hyperpermeability/leaky gut). Participants also reported a reduction in IBS symptom severity.
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"The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems"
Year Published: 2015
Study Type: review article
Related Omni-Biotic Formulation: Stress Release

This review summarizes the available evidence describing the bi-directional gut-brain relationship including neural, endocrine, immune, and humoral pathways. It also explores relevant pathophysiological mechanisms.
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"Stress and the Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis in Visceral Pain: Relevance to Irritable Bowel Syndrome"
Year Published: 2015
Study Type: review article
Related Omni-Biotic Formulation: Stress Release

This review highlights the evidence supporting the connection between stress and the gut microbiota, with specific focus on the mechanisms by which the microbiota impacts stress response, behavior, and visceral pain.
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