Brain aging starts earlier than we think — cognitive health under global spotlight
The prevalence of brain and cognitive disorders continues to rise worldwide, significantly impacting quality of life. Contrary to common belief, brain aging does not begin only in old age: after age 40, humans lose around 10,000 neurons daily. Brain volume decreases by 0.2% annually from age 35, accelerating to 0.5% annually after 60 — and neuronal loss is irreversible.
Driven by global aging, lifestyle stressors such as pandemics and wars, consumer demand for “anti-aging and mental clarity” solutions is growing rapidly. Among research trends, the gut–brain axis has become a central focus. NutraIngredients and other leading media highlight probiotics as key ingredients for cognitive support.
 

The Gut–Brain Axis: The “Long-Term Strategy” for a Younger Brain

The gut is often called the “second brain” as it produces many neurotransmitters also found in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. Over 90% of serotonin is synthesized in the gut, directly linking gut health with mood and cognition.
Key findings:

• Bifidobacteria decline with age
• Gut dysbiosis is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
• Gut microbes influence neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and cognitive decline via the gut–brain axis

How Probiotics Support Brain Health

• Aging reduces core beneficial microbes, impacting gut and brain health
• BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) is critical for neural networks but significantly reduced in AD patients
• Studies show that Lactobacillus + Bifidobacterium combinations can elevate BDNF, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and slow cognitive decline

Clinically Validated — PRONULIFE^® IntBrain Cognitive Probiotics

Formulated with five premium strains — B. longum subsp. infantis BLI-02, B. breve Bv-889, B. animalis subsp. lactis CP-9, B. bifidum VDD088, L. plantarum PL-02 — PRONULIFE^® IntBrain demonstrates:

• Antioxidant activity
• Anti-inflammatory benefits
• Neuroprotective effects against brain aging

Animal Study

Reduced oxidative accumulation in aging mouse organs, increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate, which supports brain health and gut integrity.

Clinical Study

In Alzheimer’s patients:

• BDNF increased by 36% in the high-dose group
• Decreased oxidative and inflammatory markers (MDA, PCC, IL-1β)
• Slower progression of cognitive and behavioral decline
• Enriched beneficial gut bacteria, improving microbiota balance

Formulation Information

Ingredient	Probiotic Blend
PRONULIFE® IntBrain	B. longum subsp. infantis BLI-02 B. breve Bv-889 B. animalis subsp. lactis CP-9 B. bifidum VDD088 L. plantarum PL-02

Patents

• TWI797881: Anti-aging compositions and their applications
• TWI777107: Antioxidant compositions containing Lactobacillus strains or their metabolites

References

1. Human brain changes across the life span: a review of 56 longitudinal MRI studies
2. Probiotics may help boost mood and cognitive function
3. Gut Bifidobacteria Populations in Human Health and Aging
4. Probiotics and their metabolites reduce oxidative stress in middle-aged mice
5. Efficacy of probiotic supplements on BDNF, inflammatory biomarkers, oxidative stress, and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s dementia patients: A 12-week randomized, double-blind, active-controlled study