Consumption of probiotics and prebiotics has beneficial effects on the gut-brain axis and mental health.
The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional signaling pathway between the gastrointestinal tract and the nervous system, is a critical component of mental health. Key elements of this pathway are the tens of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that comprise the intestinal microbiota. A recent review suggests that consuming probiotics and prebiotics has beneficial effects on the gut-brain axis and mental health.
Probiotics are live microbes that, when consumed in the diet or in supplemental form, confer a health benefit to the host. Prebiotics are food components that support the maintenance of a healthy microbiota and create an environment that is conducive to its survival. Prebiotic fermentation by gut microbiota produces short-chain fatty acids, including lactic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid.
The authors of the review selected seven studies for their analysis. Each of the studies investigated the efficacy of probiotics and/or prebiotics in treating anxiety and/or depression.
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Their analysis revealed that the participants in the studies showed significant improvements in their anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Furthermore, participants who had common comorbidities associated with their mental health conditions (such as irritable bowel syndrome), saw additional benefits due to the purported beneficial effects of probiotics/prebiotics on gut health. The authors noted several limitations of the various studies, including sample sizes, study durations, and the failure to assess long-term effects and remission risks.
These findings suggest that probiotics and prebiotics have beneficial effects on mental health. Larger, more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm their usefulness.