A new study by researchers at Deakin University’s Food and Mood Centre has found that women who ate probiotic yoghurt daily for eight weeks showed changes in brain function linked to mood and memory – providing some of the first evidence that fermented foods might directly influence the brain.
The study, published in Gut, explored whether eating a probiotic-rich yoghurt could affect brain function in healthy women. Forty participants were randomly assigned to eat either a probiotic yoghurt or a visually identical non-fermented dairy product (placebo) every day for eight weeks. Each participant underwent brain scans, blood tests, and gut microbiome sampling before and after the study.
Researchers observed stronger communication between brain regions involved in memory and mood (the hippocampus and frontal areas) in those consuming the probiotic yoghurt, along with indications of increased antioxidant activity in the brain. The study also found differences in gut microbiome composition between the two groups.
The gut-brain link gets a boost from fermented foods
Lead author Dr Wolfgang Marx, Deputy Director of the Food & Mood Centre said the findings add to growing evidence that what we eat can influence brain function via the gut-brain axis.
‘This study provides preliminary evidence that fermented foods can affect the brain, not just the gut,’ Dr Marx said.
‘It’s an exciting step forward in showing that the gut-brain connection is real and may be influenced by everyday foods like probiotic yoghurt. However, this was a small early-stage trial, so much larger studies are needed to confirm these results and understand whether they translate to improvements in mood or mental health.’
Food & Mood Centre Director Professor Felice Jacka said the research adds to a growing body of evidence that diet plays an important role in brain and mental health.
‘These findings suggest that fermented foods like yoghurt may have measurable effects on brain biology,’ Professor Jacka said.
‘Fermented foods are a healthy and enjoyable part of many diets, and studies like this help us understand the biological pathways linking nutrition and mental health.’
The research was conducted independently by Deakin University, with Bega Group’s Farmers Union Greek Style Probiotic Yogurt providing the yoghurt and placebo products.
‘Farmers Union Greek Style Probiotic Yogurt is pleased to support research that advances understanding of the gut-brain connection, reinforcing the importance of including probiotic-rich foods, like probiotic yogurt, in our diets,’ said Katrina Strazdins, Group Manager – Nutrition at Bega Group.
‘It’s exciting to see evidence that enjoying probiotic yogurt may benefit not just our digestive health, but our brains as well.’
