How Fiber-Based Gut Supplements Could Offer a Low-Cost Solution for Age-Related Memory Loss

King's College London researchers reported in a 2024 study that daily use of certain prebiotic supplements was associated with improved cognitive test results among people aged over 60. The findings come from a double-blind trial that compared two plant-fiber prebiotics— inulin and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) —against a placebo over a three-month period.

The trial enrolled 36 pairs of twins , a design that can help reduce the influence of genetic differences when comparing outcomes. After three months, participants who received either inulin or FOS performed better than the placebo group on tests focused on visual memory and learning , according to the study. The report described the supplements as non-digestible consumables that are widely available and intended to stimulate gut microbes.

Researchers linked the cognitive changes to shifts in the gut microbiome . The study observed an increase in Bifidobacterium among those taking the prebiotics, describing it as a beneficial bacterial group. The authors pointed to earlier mouse research suggesting Bifidobacterium may reduce cognitive deficits by influencing gut-brain connections, aligning with broader scientific interest in the so-called gut-brain axis .

While the study’s results highlight a potential low-cost, over-the-counter approach to supporting brain health in older adults, the researchers also indicated that more evidence is needed. They said further work is planned to evaluate longer-term effects and to test efficacy in larger cohorts . The report did not present long-horizon outcomes beyond the three-month intervention window.

For global markets, the study adds to a growing stream of research that could influence demand for consumer health products positioned around microbiome support and healthy aging. Inulin and FOS are described as widely available, which may matter for how quickly any consumer interest could translate into retail activity across multiple regions.

At the same time, the authors’ call for larger and longer studies underscores uncertainty about durability of benefits and how broadly the results apply beyond the specific trial population.