Effects of heat-treated

Background: Gut health and brain activity are closely linked, and the gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in regulating mental health. Interventions using beneficial microbes, such as probiotics and postbiotics, are gaining attention as promising approaches to support mental health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of postbiotic heat-treated Methods: This double-blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled study included 28 healthy participants aged 20-44 years. The participants underwent two trial sessions and consumed a single dose of tablets containing heat-treated CP2305 (postbiotic; 1 × 10 Results: The alpha power showed a significantly greater increase from baseline following consumption of heat-treated CP2305 compared with the placebo. The change in the RMSSD from baseline was significantly greater following consumption of heat-treated CP2305 than following the placebo. Both the mental stress VAS and POMS2 tension-anxiety scores showed significantly greater improvements following consumption of heat-treated CP2305 compared with the placebo. In the Conclusion: This is the first clinical study to examine the effects of postbiotics on alpha oscillatory activity in the brain. Heat-treated CP2305 consumption was associated with modulation of brain activity, enhancement of parasympathetic activity, and alleviation of stress, indicating its potential as a functional food ingredient for mental health support. These beneficial effects may be partly associated with alterations in gut-derived 5-HT signaling induced by heat-treated CP2305. However, further studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Clinical trial registration: https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000064175, Identifier UMIN000056164.