Evaluation of an Immunomodulatory Probiotic Intervention for Veterans With Co-occurring Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study
Brenner LA
Published in Frontiers in Neurology
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of an immunomodulatory probiotic (Lactobacillus reuteri) over 8 weeks in veterans with mild TBI and PTSD, measuring safety, inflammatory markers, cortisol response and symptom scales.
Key Findings
In a 31-veteran pilot of Lactobacillus reuteri in co-occurring mild TBI and PTSD, the probiotic was safe and feasible and was associated with a reduction in the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein and a blunted cortisol awakening response versus placebo; psychiatric symptom scores did not differ significantly.
Conclusions
A probiotic intervention was safe and feasible in veterans with mild TBI and PTSD and reduced inflammatory and stress biomarkers, justifying a larger trial powered for symptom outcomes.
Limitations
Very small pilot not powered for clinical outcomes; high attrition typical of veteran samples; 8-week duration; biomarker endpoints exploratory; single-site sample of mostly male veterans.
Supplements Studied
No between-group differences were found on a subjective measure of stress responsivity; CRP decreased relative to placebo, approaching significance.
In a 31-veteran pilot of Lactobacillus reuteri in co-occurring mild TBI and PTSD, the probiotic was safe and feasible and was associated with a reduction in the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein and a blunted cortisol awakening response versus placebo; psychiatric symptom scores did not differ significantly.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
US Department of Veterans Affairs / Department of Defense research funding
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.