Probi introduces psychobiotic to Nordic market

By Louisa Richards

- Last updated on GMT

© omersukrugoksu / Getty Images
© omersukrugoksu / Getty Images
Swedish company Probi AB has launched its probiotic Probi Sense in Sweden, Denmark and Norway to support stress relief and mental wellness.

The supplement combines zinc, iodine and magnesium with Probi’s patented lactic acid Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ​HEAL9, ​a strain backed by multiple clinical studies demonstrating positive effects on memory, concentration and fatigue.

“The strength in the human studies done is that they all confirm that intake of HEAL9 has a positive effect on mental health,” Gunilla Önning, senior science manager at Probi, told Nutraingredients.

“The effect has been shown in different populations like in subjects with acute stress, with moderate stress, in subjects with old age with low grade inflammation and in subjects with mild-moderate depression. This indicates that HEAL9 supports the mental health in a broad way and in many situations.” 

Advances in psychobiotics research 

Scientific interest in psychobiotics—probiotics that provide mental health benefits through interactions along the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA)—has increased significantly in the last decade.

Studies​ show that the MGBA controls complex interactions between the brain, the enteric nervous system in the gut, the gut-associated immune system and the enteric neuroendocrine system. Specific strains and bacterial formulations have been found to have​ psychotropic-like effects that may be beneficial for anxiety, depression and cognitive function. Additionally, they may offer a lower risk of allergies and less dependence than psychotropic drugs. 

Although evidence suggests that psychobiotics can support metabolic and mental health, the exact mechanisms are yet to be elucidated, and AI technology has the potential to do this. Furthermore, a recent systematic review​ suggests that studies need to adopt more rigorous research methodologies to enhance the reliability of their findings.

Evidence for HEAL9

Since its beginnings in 1991 at Sweden’s Lund University, Probi has grown into a global company focused exclusively on researching, manufacturing and delivering probiotics for supplements and functional food.

Scientists from Lund University and other institutions have shown that HEAL9 may support mental health in several clinical studies.

For example, a recent study​ showed that HEAL9 improves cognition, mood, and sleep in moderately stressed subjects, and a 2020 study ​indicated the strain reduces inflammatory markers in an acute stress test on chronically stressed individuals.

Another recent study from Italy found that HEAL9 may help reduce cognitive impairment and inflammation​ in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Over eight weeks, the probiotic was shown to alleviate cognitive decline, protect the gut barrier, normalize digestion and reduce brain plaque accumulation. 

“We are proud to launch a product supported by multiple clinical studies that meets the growing need for mental well-being in today's society,” said Alexia Wilhelmsson, marketing manager at Probi.

Related products

show more

Algal Oil or Fish Oil: Which Should I Choose?

Algal Oil or Fish Oil: Which Should I Choose?

Content provided by GC Rieber VivoMega™ | 04-Nov-2024 | Infographic

Are you fishing for answers when it comes to omega-3s from fish oil vs. algal oil? Do you find yourself asking if EPA or DHA from fish oil is the same...

Research for Restorative Sleep: Levagen®+

Research for Restorative Sleep: Levagen®+

Content provided by Gencor | 27-Sep-2024 | White Paper

Levagen®+ is Gencor's branded Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous fatty acid amide naturally found in every cell of the body.

Research for Restorative Sleep: Levagen®+

Research for Restorative Sleep: Levagen®+

Content provided by Gencor | 09-Sep-2024 | White Paper

Levagen®+ is Gencor's branded Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous fatty acid amide naturally found in every cell of the body.

Research to Reality: Restorative Sleep

Research to Reality: Restorative Sleep

Content provided by Gencor | 02-Sep-2024 | White Paper

Gencor prides itself on its cutting-edge, science-driven solutions. Explore sleep support through gold-standard, clinically-validated dietary supplement...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars