Probiotic may boost mood and emotional health for older adults: RCT

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in China found that daily supplementation with the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici PA53 for eight weeks improved gastrointestinal health, sleep quality, and happiness in older adults. The study reported reductions in inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-alpha, alongside increased levels of anti-inflammatory IL-25 and a beneficial shift in gut microbiota composition. These results support the potential of PA53 as an intervention for enhancing emotional and physical well-being in the elderly.