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Questions and Answers

According to the formal definition, what is a crucial characteristic of probiotics concerning their effects on the body?

They are primarily designed to eliminate all bacteria, both beneficial and harmful, from the digestive system.
They always lead to immediate and noticeable improvements in physical strength.
They can exert a beneficial effect on the body only when ingested in sufficient quantities. (correct)
They must contain a variety of synthetic compounds to enhance their effects.

What is the primary role of prebiotics in relation to probiotics?

To serve as a food source for probiotics, promoting their growth and activity. (correct)
To provide a protective barrier around probiotic bacteria, preventing their digestion.
To directly kill harmful bacteria in the gut, creating space for new probiotic colonies.
To alter the genetic makeup of probiotics, enhancing their beneficial effects.

Why are green bananas specifically mentioned as a source of prebiotics, compared to ripe bananas?

Green bananas are easier to digest due to their lower starch content, facilitating nutrient absorption for gut bacteria.
Green bananas contain resistant starch, a type of non-digestible fiber that serves as a prebiotic. (correct)
Green bananas contain higher concentrations of simple sugars that directly feed beneficial bacteria.
Green bananas are more palatable and thus encourage greater consumption, leading to increased prebiotic intake.

Based on the findings, in which population do probiotics show the MOST significant effect on depression and anxiety symptoms?

Individuals with diagnosed clinical depression. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What initially led to the decline in the use of probiotics for mood enhancement in the 1930s?

Insufficient understanding of the mechanisms by which probiotics affect mood. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Synbiotics combine probiotics and prebiotics. What is the intended benefit of this combination?

To offer a synergistic effect where the prebiotic enhances the probiotic's survival and function. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the 2021 meta-analysis, what was the GENERAL duration of probiotic administration in the included studies?

Approximately 8 weeks. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a food supplement is marketed as having positive effects on mental health by altering gut bacteria, what term would BEST describe this?

Psychobiotic (B) Signup and view all the answers

What genera of bacteria were MOST commonly used in the probiotic interventions described in the 2021 meta-analysis?

Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did early studies at Bethlehem Royal Hospital contribute to the understanding of probiotics?

They demonstrated improved clinical outcomes with lactobacillus in psychiatric patients through inpatient case studies. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What advancement has most significantly renewed interest in the use of probiotics for mental health?

Advanced microbiology sequencing technologies that allow for detailed examination of the human microbiota. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the definitions provided, which of the following products would be classified as a synbiotic?

A capsule containing both Lactobacillus bacteria and inulin. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the 2021 meta-analysis, which of the following is TRUE regarding the administration of probiotics?

Probiotics showed a significant positive effect when used in addition to antidepressants for depression. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a KEY limitation noted regarding the evidence supporting the use of probiotics alongside antidepressants for treating depression?

The studies included small sample sizes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information, which food is LEAST likely to be a significant source of prebiotics?

Cheese (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the use of probiotics to improve mood, anxiety and stress, specifically in healthy individuals?

Psychobiotics (B) Signup and view all the answers

A study design involves administering either a combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium or a placebo to participants and monitoring their depressive and anxiety symptoms. What type of study design is this considered?

Double-blind, placebo-controlled study (C) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the findings, what is a plausible HYPOTHESIS regarding why probiotics appear to be more effective when used alongside antidepressants?

Antidepressants may alter the gut microbiome in a way that makes it more receptive to the beneficial effects of probiotics. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If someone aims to improve their mood through dietary changes, which approach aligns with the concept of psychobiotics?

Taking a supplement containing specific strains of bacteria known to influence mental well-being. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which study characteristic was MOST consistent across the seven studies of clinically depressed patients?

Methodology. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of probiotic research, what is a key distinction between studies conducted in the early 20th century and current research?

Early studies lacked the advanced technologies needed to understand the underlying mechanisms, which is a focus of current research. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when the 'diamond' crosses the line of no effect?

It indicates a statistically non-significant effect. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the historical perception and current understanding of probiotics' effect on mental health?

Early enthusiasm for probiotics faded due to a lack of mechanistic understanding, but modern research is reviving interest through advanced technologies. (A) Signup and view all the answers

If a researcher aims to investigate the effects of a specific strain of probiotic on mood, what would be the MOST appropriate next step after reviewing existing literature?

Conduct a pilot study with a small group to assess feasibility and preliminary effects. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What potential cognitive benefits have been associated with the use of multispecies probiotics?

Reduction in cognitive activity related to depressive thoughts or sad mood, and improvement in stress and exhaustion. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Neuroimaging studies suggest that probiotic consumption may lead to changes in which brain regions?

Regions involved in processing emotions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of medication development, what is the primary focus of Phase I clinical trials?

Assessing the drug's safety in a small group of healthy volunteers. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of Phase III clinical trials in the drug development pipeline?

To thoroughly assess the effectiveness of the drug in a large, representative group of people. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why do probiotics and similar supplements often bypass the typical regulatory procedures for drug approval?

Because they are generally considered harmless. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of probiotics and supplements bypassing rigorous clinical trials?

It can result in a lack of high-quality data to support health claims, leading to skepticism about their effectiveness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the systematic review and meta-analysis discussed in the content primarily examine?

The effectiveness of probiotics or prebiotics in treating depression and anxiety. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the clinical trial pipeline described, approximately how long can the process of testing a potential medication take before it reaches the market?

Up to 10 years. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the systematic review, in which conditions have probiotics shown some potential benefit?

Major depressive disorder and Alzheimer's disease (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the systematic review, what was the finding regarding probiotic use in bipolar disorder?

Probiotics showed potential in reducing hospitalisation and rehospitalisation rates, particularly in the manic state. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion was drawn from the systematic review regarding the use of probiotics in autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia?

The evidence is controversial and limited, and it cannot be said that probiotics offer any benefits. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of faecal microbiota transplant (FMT)?

To restore healthy microorganisms via donor faeces to people that may need it (C) Signup and view all the answers

In clinical practice, for what condition is faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) most often used?

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the study called 'Transferring the blues,' what was the key finding when microbiota from patients with major depressive disorder were transplanted into germ-free mice?

The mice exhibited depression-like behaviours and physiological profiles resembling depression. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which tasks were used to measure depression-like behaviours in the 'Transferring the blues' study?

The forced swim test, open field test, and elevated plus maze tests (A) Signup and view all the answers

Aside from behavioural changes, what other evidence of depression was observed in the mice that received microbiota transplants from patients with major depressive disorder?

Elevations of certain biomarkers of depression (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial implication suggested by studies showing that balanced microbiota is not just a symptom of psychiatric conditions?

Caution is needed when transplanting microbiota because it might carry a 'footprint' of mental illness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the application of fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) in treating affective disorders still limited, despite promising animal studies?

The invasive nature of the procedure makes it unappealing to patients, alongside a need for stronger evidence-based support. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern regarding private clinics offering fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) for conditions like depression?

These clinics may be offering treatments without sufficient scientific validation, potentially misleading patients. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the current status of clinical trials for fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) in affective disorders suggest about the future of this treatment?

The area is evolving from case studies to clinical trials, with results expected in the near future. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How might the knowledge that microbiota can carry a 'footprint' of mental illness influence the application of fecal microbiota transplants (FMT)?

It suggests the need for rigorous screening of donor microbiota to avoid transplanting mental health predispositions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the limitations of current fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) applications, what is a critical factor in building patient confidence in this treatment for affective disorders?

Establishing robust, evidence-based support that demonstrates the treatment's rationality and effectiveness. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the trends in clinical trials, what is a likely reason for the termination of some fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) trials for affective disorders?

Lack of patient participation or willingness, possibly due to the invasive nature of the procedure. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do independent replications of microbiota studies across different conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, and eating disorders strengthen the understanding of the gut-brain connection?

They reinforce the potential for the gut microbiota to influence a wide spectrum of psychiatric conditions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Probiotics

Food supplements containing beneficial bacteria that improve gut microbial balance and overall health when ingested in sufficient quantities.

Prebiotics

Non-digestible fiber that promotes the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) in the gut.

Synbiotics

A supplement that combines both probiotics and prebiotics.

Psychobiotics

Supplements (probiotics, synbiotics, etc.) that, when ingested in sufficient quantities, have positive effects on mental health.