Webinar preview: Morinaga Milk spotlights postbiotics for mood, stress and gut health

Interest in the gut-brain axis is flourishing, with science-powered biotics supporting not only gut health but also mood, stress, and sleep. Nutrition Insight speaks with Morinaga Milk ahead of its webinar to learn about postbiotics that are valuable in developing functional F&B and supplements to meet demands for mental and overall wellness.

Registration is now open for the webinar “Upliving with Postbiotics: Discover the power of LAC-Living+ in Mood,” which will take place on November 13 at 15:00 CET.

“Postbiotics such as LAC-Living+ (Lactobacillus helveticus MCC1848) are preparations of inanimate (non-viable) microorganisms and/or their components that confer health benefits to the host,” says Saki Yamashita, manager of Marketing Group, Functional Food Ingredients Division.

“Unlike probiotics, which require live microorganisms to exert their effects, postbiotics are heat- and moisture-stable, making them easier to incorporate into various foods and beverages. LAC-Living+ was specifically developed to support a positive mood. Clinical trials have shown that LAC-Living+ can improve quality of life, enhance positive mood, and reduce fatigue and negative emotion.”

Gut and brain communication

The gut-brain axis is the mechanism by which gut-derived compounds communicate with the brain and influence emotional well-being. Yamashita explains that the gut microbiota and brain communicate in two directions via immunological, endocrine, and neural (vagus nerve) pathways.

“Gut-derived compounds, including metabolites produced by probiotics and postbiotics, can influence brain function by modulating inflammation, neurotransmitter levels, and stress responses.”

Clinical trials have shown that LAC-Living+ can improve quality of life, enhance positive mood, and reduce fatigue and negative emotion.“The changes in the gut environment can affect mood states, stress responses, and even disease risk. LAC-Living+ has been shown to suppress anxiety-like behavior, alleviate apathy, and attenuate stress-induced gene expression in brain regions associated with mood regulation,” she explains.

Postbiotics for mental health 

Postbiotics may present a promising supplemental strategy for supporting mental health, according to emerging research, says Yamashita.

“Unlike traditional methods that often target symptoms directly (e.g., antidepressants), postbiotics can regulate mood state without any side effects. Some studies have shown improvements in stress resilience, sleep quality, and mood stability with postbiotic supplementation, though more clinical trials are needed to confirm long-term efficacy.”

Additionally, she sees significant opportunities for postbiotics in the “mood and gut health” category. For LAC-Living+, Yamashita points to innovations in functional food, drinks, and dietary supplements that seek to target mood and emotional well-being.

“Their stability allows for incorporation into a wide range of products, including gummies, bars, daily meals, and drinks,” she adds. 

“With growing consumer interest in mental wellness and preventive health, especially among younger generations, postbiotics are well-positioned to meet the demand for convenient, effective, and science-based solutions for mood support and gut health.”

In Morinaga Milk’s webinar last year, Yamashita, along with other experts, touched base on the trend of healthy aging in relation to brain functions. They explored Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274, a cutting-edge probiotic strain specifically developed to target cognitive health and support optimal brain function.

Meanwhile, a recent review exploring the connection between gut and mental health found the “strongest proof” yet that the microbiome directly affects brain chemistry, stress responses, and behaviors in animal models. It underlines that the gut can potentially improve global mental health with practical diet, stress, and environmental changes to shape gut bacteria.