Better Brain for All

As we age there is reduction in the effectiveness with which our gastrointestinal tract functions, which has the consequence of reducing the absorption of nutrients from our diet. This is one of the contributors to the malnutrition suffered by many older individuals. Interestingly the changes to gastrointestinal tract functioning also leads to increased inflammation throughout our bodies as well as increased inflammation in our brains. This age-related increase in inflammation has been termed "inflammaging", and contributes to the age-related diseases and conditions that have a common feature of increased \[dysregulated\] inflammation, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, joint disease and cognitive decline. Therefore, the gut-brain axis plays an important role in age related cognition decline.

The reduced function of the gastrointestinal tract also alters drug absorption, and decreases protection against ingested pathogens \[microbial, fungal, and viral\]. The latter point is significant because the gastrointestinal tract provides the largest surface area of contact between us and our environment.

The research team has the combined expertise required to address the consequences of reduced gastrointestinal tract function in ageing. The three Companies involved, Agroceutical Products Ltd (Wales), Neurodyn Life Sciences Inc (Canada), and PostBiotics Inc. (USA), have used a common approach to exploit natural product-based strategies to maintain and extend the human health-span. They will collaborate with Aberystwyth University's Departments of Life Sciences and Psychology. This academic team are experienced in working on translational Research and Development with the Food, Drink and supplement industry partners.

Neurodyn Life Sciences Inc., has developed a natural product-based formulation called Cerbella, that is composed of a proprietary blend of specific components of ginseng, green tea, and essential fatty acids \[Omega-3's\]. This formulation has been demonstrated clinically to improve the efficiency of brain function in healthy elderly people.

Postbiotics Inc., has developed a dietary supplement POZIBIO, based on a component of bacterial cell walls that improves gastrointestinal tract function by restoring the protective mucus layer that coats the intestine lining facing the ingested food that is being digested and absorbed.

We will determine if the improved function of the _Gut & Brain_ following intervention with both POZIBIO and/or Cerbella leads to an overall health benefit when compared with placebo control. We intend to examine changes in cognition and blood inflammation indicators, in an older people cohort who receive POZIBIO and Cerbella in their diet.