Journal des probiotiques et de la santé
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Probiotics for Reduction of Examination Stress in Students (PRESS) Study: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of the Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001

Rebecca F Slykerman, Eileen Li, Edwin A Mitchell

Background: Studies suggest that bioactive compounds such as probiotics may positively influence psychological health. This study aimed to determine whether supplementation with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 reduced stress and improve psychological wellbeing in university students sitting examinations.

Methods: The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, in which 483 undergraduate students received either the probiotic L. rhamnosus HN001, or placebo, daily during a university semester. Students completed measures of stress, anxiety, and psychological wellbeing at baseline and post-intervention before examinations. T-tests compared the change in psychological outcomes between groups.

Results: Of the 483 students, 391(81.0%) completed the post-intervention questions. There was no significant difference between the probiotic and placebo supplemented groups in psychological health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions may have influenced the typical trajectory of stress leading up to examinations.

Conclusion: These findings further reinforce the difficulty of translating preclinical evidence into probiotic mediated health improvements for humans.