Co-administration of probiotic and vitamin D significantly improves cognitive function in schizophrenic patients: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotic and vitamin D supplementation on cognitive function and disease severity in schizophrenic patients.
Results Summary
The study found that co-administration of probiotics and vitamin D significantly improved cognitive function (measured by MoCA scores) and reduced TC, FBS, and CRP levels, though the reduction in PANSS scores was not statistically significant.
Population
Schizophrenic patients aged 18-65.
Effective Dosage
400 IU vitamin D (frequency not specified).
Duration
Not specified in the abstract.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
probiotic/vitamin D supplementation | increase | MoCA score | schizophrenic patients | 1.96 units | increased | #1 |
probiotic/vitamin D supplementation | increase | percentage of subjects with MoCA score ≥ 26 | schizophrenic patients | - | rose significantly | #2 |
probiotic/vitamin D supplementation | decrease | TC | schizophrenic patients | - | significantly decreased | #3 |
probiotic/vitamin D supplementation | decrease | FBS | schizophrenic patients | - | significantly decreased | #4 |
probiotic/vitamin D supplementation | decrease | CRP | schizophrenic patients | - | significantly decreased | #5 |
probiotic supplement | decrease | PANSS score | schizophrenic patients | 2.82 units | reduced | #6 |
probiotic supplement | no change | PANSS score | schizophrenic patients | - | difference between the study groups was not statistically significant | #7 |
Co-administration of probiotics and vitamin D | increase | cognitive function | schizophrenic patients | - | has beneficial effects on the improvement | #8 |
AIM: Manipulation of the intestinal microbiome and supplying vitamin D can attenuate psychiatric symptoms in schizophrenic patients. The current study tried to evaluate the effects of probiotic/vitamin D supplementation on the cognitive function and disease severity of schizophrenic patients. METHODS: In the present study, 70 patients (aged 18-65) with schizophrenia were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to the placebo (n = 35) and intervention (probiotic supplements+400 IU vitamin D, n = 35) groups. Severity of disease and cognitive function (primary outcomes) were evaluated by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tests, respectively. Moreover, lipid profile, body mass index (BMI), gastrointestinal (GI) problems, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were evaluated as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients completed the study. The MoCA score was increased by 1.96 units in the probiotic-containing supplement group compared to the placebo (p = 0.004). Also, the percentage of subjects with MoCA score ≥ 26 rose significantly in the intervention group (p = 0.031). Moreover, TC (p = 0.011), FBS (p = 0.009), and CRP (p < 0.001) significantly decreased in the supplement group compared to the placebo. Although the probiotic supplement reduced PANSS score by 2.82 units, the difference between the study groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.247). CONCLUSION: Co-administration of probiotics and vitamin D has beneficial effects on the improvement of cognitive function in schizophrenic patients.