French scientists from the Paris Brain Institute and the University of Bonn found that changes in the gut microbiota (microbiota) can affect sensitivity to justice and the way people treat each other. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine PNAS Port.
The intestinal microbiota consists of bacteria, viruses and fungi in the digestive system. Recent research has revealed a link between its composition and cognitive function, stress levels, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
In the new study, the team recruited 101 people. Half took supplements containing beneficial bacteria and microbiota nutrients (probiotics and prebiotics) for seven weeks. The other half received a placebo.
After that, the participants were divided into pairs and asked to play a game in which one of the players received the right to arbitrarily divide the amount of money, and the second had the right to accept or reject the proposed portion. If the second person refused, all the money would be burned.
It turned out that people taking beneficial gut bacteria acted less rationally and were more likely to refuse to accept an unfair distribution of money than the placebo group.
Researchers also observed a sharp decrease in tyrosine levels in people taking probiotics and prebiotics. Tyrosine is the precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with the brain’s reward mechanisms.
According to scientists, this may explain the mechanism by which gut microbes influence human decisions.
Previously microbiologists I learnedthat gut microbes can act as a backup liver.
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Source: Gazeta
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