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Could your gut bacteria influence how intelligent you are?

People who are genetically predisposed to have higher levels of Fusicatenibacter bacteria scored better on verbal and mathematical tests, while those with more Oxalobacter scored lower

By Carissa Wong

10 June 2023

Bacteria in the intestine, some of which may influence how you score on verbal and mathematical tests

NOBEASTSOFIERCE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

The levels of certain bacteria in our guts have been linked to varying degrees of intelligence, as determined by scores on verbal and mathematical tests. But whether people could take supplements that change their gut bacteria and improve these skills is unclear.

Several studies have linked the mix of bacteria in the gut, or the gut microbiome, to memory or the ability to learn. But this could be down to people’s level of …

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