The effect of probiotic supplementation on perceived stress and bowel function in healthy young adults: evidence from a randomized controlled trial in Makkah.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Young adults experience high, persistent stress due to academic, social, and financial pressures. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) may reduce stress via the gut-brain axis, yet evidence from Middle Eastern populations is limited. We tested whether LGG lowers perceived stress in Saudi young adults and improved bowel function.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, healthy adult participants with moderate-high Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores received LGG (6 × 10⁹ CFU/day, capsule) for 30 days or no intervention. Validated PSS version, anthropometrics and bowel habits were assessed at baseline and endline. Analyses included paired, two-sample t tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum and multivariable linear regression adjusted for baseline PSS, a

SUBMITTER: Noorwali EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12815857 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature