{"id":17186,"date":"2025-08-10T10:00:18","date_gmt":"2025-08-10T14:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/?p=17186"},"modified":"2025-08-10T10:00:18","modified_gmt":"2025-08-10T14:00:18","slug":"a-low-cost-daily-supplement-may-boost-brain-function-in-retirees-over-60-study-suggests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/nutrition\/vitamins\/a-low-cost-daily-supplement-may-boost-brain-function-in-retirees-over-60-study-suggests-17186\/","title":{"rendered":"A low-cost daily supplement may boost brain function in retirees over 60, study suggests"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to brain health, most people expect expensive pills or complex routines, but a recent study suggests that a simple and affordable supplement<\/strong> could offer noticeable benefits, especially for older adults. Researchers are now exploring how certain dietary fibers, long known for gut support, may also improve memory and thinking.<\/p>\n

A twin study from King’s College London<\/strong><\/a> found that pairing protein powder with a simple prebiotic<\/strong> led to better memory scores in older adults. Let’s review the findings in more detail.<\/p>\n

What the study found on prebiotics and brain health<\/h2>\n

In the study, 36 pairs of adults over age 60 were part of a randomized, double-blind trial. One twin in each pair took protein plus the prebiotic, while the other took protein with a placebo. After 12 weeks, those taking inulin or FOS performed better on memory and processing-speed tests<\/strong> often used to detect early cognitive decline.<\/p>\n

The prebiotics also increased levels of beneficial gut bacteria<\/strong> like Bifidobacterium, reinforcing the link between gut health and brain health. Research suggests this group of bacteria supports cognitive health through the gut-brain axis. Meanwhile, there was no difference between groups in muscle strength or other physical benefits.<\/p>\n

Experts say this is a promising and inexpensive way to support memory and thinking in older adults. The fact that benefits showed up in just 12 weeks and through a supplement your local pharmacy likely stocks is worth noting. That said, researchers caution that longer and broader trials are needed<\/strong> to confirm the specific effects across more people.<\/p>\n

Tips and precautions for considering prebiotics<\/h2>\n

Adding inulin or FOS supplements to a routine may be worth it, but take into account the following tips to approach them wisely:<\/p>\n