This study aims to explore the impact of continued consumption of the probiotic drink known as Kombucha on cognitive and affective functioning. The beneficial health effects associated with the consumption of Kombucha have created wide interest, particularly with regard to mental health. This study was developed with the participation of a healthy university population, comprising 52 participants, aged between 18 and 25 years old. The sample was divided into two groups, an Experimental Group that consumed Kombucha for 30 days and a control group that consumed a placebo. Participants were tested at four different times, including before consumption, twice during consumption, and a follow-up assessment. The results demonstrate that although participants reported greater physical and psychological well-being in the experimental group than in the control group, the neurophysiological and behavioral measures used in this study failed to capture robust differences between the two groups. As the area of intestinal microbiota and the enteric nervous system (domains potentially modulated by the consumption of probiotic products) is currently areas of strong scientific investment, it is essential that a bet be placed on future studies in long-term longitudinal approaches, with larger samples and more monitored during consumption, as well as the use of other metrics that can more easily detect potential differences, the next step to be taken.
Date of Award | 22 Feb 2022 |
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Original language | Portuguese |
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Awarding Institution | - Universidade Católica Portuguesa
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Supervisor | Patrícia Oliveira-Silva (Supervisor) |
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- Kombucha
- Brain-gut axis
- Heart rate
- Cognitive functioning
- Affective functioning
Estudo exploratório sobre a relação entre o consumo continuado da kombucha e o funcionamento cognitivo e afetivo
Fraga, J. G. (Student). 22 Feb 2022
Student thesis: Master's Thesis