Psychobiotics as treatment for anxiety, depression, and related symptoms: a systematic review

ABSTRACT

Objective: Altering the gut microflora may produce health benefits in individuals suffering from mood disorders. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics as a potential treatment for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (as psychobiotics).

Methods: Google Scholar, PubMed, PsychINFO, and Web of Science were utilized to identify and evaluate studies through October 31, 2019. Studies were included if subjects were evaluated for altered mood or stress levels at start of the study and consumed probiotics, prebiotics, and/or synbiotics for intervention.

Results: Search results yielded 142 articles, while only 12 studies met all inclusion criteria. Nine of the 12 studies identified evaluated the efficacy of various probiotic strains, while only two evaluated synbiotics and one evaluated prebiotics. Six out of 12 studies found probiotics to reduce depression, while two studies found probiotics to reduce anxiety.

Discussion: Translational research in this field is limited and further investigation of the efficacy of psychobiotics in mood disorders is warranted.

KEYWORDS:

• Depression
• anxiety
• stress
• mood disorders
• psychobiotics
• prebiotics
• probiotics
• synbiotics

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kristen S. Smith

Kristen S. Smith, Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.

Michael W. Greene

Michael W. Greene, Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.

Jeganathan Ramesh Babu

Jeganathan Ramesh Babu, Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.

Andrew D. Frugé

Andrew D. Frugé, Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.