Cognitive and behavioral benefits of 2′-fucosyllactose in growing mice: the roles of 5-hydroxytryptophan and gut microbiota

Apr 12, 2025Microbiome

How 2'-fucosyllactose improves thinking and behavior in growing mice through gut bacteria and serotonin-related pathways

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Abstract

After 4 weeks of supplementation, (2'-FL) enhanced cognitive memory function in growing mice.

  • Cognitive improvements were assessed using Y-maze, novel object recognition, and water maze tests.
  • 2'-FL supplementation significantly altered diversity, increasing Bacteroides and Lactobacillus genera.
  • Elevated levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) were observed in the hippocampal tissue.
  • Antibiotic treatment eliminated the cognitive benefits of 2'-FL, indicating the importance of gut microbiota.
  • Short-term supplementation for 7 days led to rapid changes in gut microbiota prior to cognitive improvements.
  • In vitro experiments suggested that 2'-FL may influence enzymes involved in 5-HTP production in the gut.

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Key numbers

5 days
Increase in cognitive performance
Duration of the Morris water-maze training phase showing improved escape latency in the 2'-FL group.
78%
78% reduction in fecal bacterial load
Observed after antibiotic treatment in the 2'-FL group.

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