Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for the condition, researchers are constantly exploring new ways to improve symptoms and enhance quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia. A recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology Reports suggests that a combination of probiotics and vitamin D may offer cognitive benefits to individuals with schizophrenia.
The study involved 70 adults with schizophrenia who were divided into two groups. One group received a placebo, while the other group received probiotic supplements along with 400 IU of vitamin D daily for 12 weeks. The participants’ cognitive function and disease severity were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tests, respectively.
The results of the study showed that participants who received the probiotic and vitamin D supplements experienced a significant improvement in cognitive function, as indicated by an increase in their MoCA scores. Specifically, the MoCA score increased by 1.96 units in the group that received the supplements compared to the placebo group. Additionally, the percentage of patients with MoCA scores of 26 or higher, which indicates normal cognition, increased significantly in the intervention group.
While the cognitive function of the participants improved with the probiotic and vitamin D supplements, there was no significant change in disease severity, as measured by the PANSS scores. However, the study did find that levels of total cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, and C-reactive protein decreased significantly in the group that received the supplements compared to the placebo group.
The lead author of the study, Gita Sadighi, MD, from the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences in Iran, highlighted the potential of probiotics as a novel approach to treating mental disorders by regulating gut microbiota. This research adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests a link between gut health, vitamin D levels, and cognitive function in individuals with schizophrenia.
Overall, the findings of this study provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of probiotics and vitamin D supplementation for individuals with schizophrenia. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects, this study offers hope for new therapeutic approaches to improve cognitive function and overall well-being in individuals living with schizophrenia.