Effect of a Multi-Strain Probiotic Supplementation to Manage Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Clinical Trial.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic strongly affected every aspect of the modern society, from health to socioeconomics, leading people to experience high levels of stress. METHODS: A double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled clinical study was performed to investigate the ability of a food supplement containing two probiotic strains, Limosilactobacillus reuteri PBS072 and Bifidobacterium breve BB077, in supporting 33 healthy adults, working at a university, in stress management. The efficacy of the tested strains in influencing the stress response, in terms of mood and sleep behavior, was assessed using the following validated questionnaires Profile of Mood State (POMS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: Outcomes of the POMS and the PSQI demonstrated a significant reduction of the questionnaire's scores both versus baseline and placebo after 30 days of probiotic intake. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, the probiotic food supplement investigated showed a remarkable effect on stress management by improving the quality of sleep and the mood.