Prebiotics and probiotics for depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials
Liu RT, Walsh RFL, Sheehan AE
Published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 controlled clinical trials of prebiotics and probiotics for depression and anxiety symptoms
Key Findings
Probiotics produced a small but significant reduction in depression (Hedges g = 0.24) and anxiety (g = 0.10) symptoms; prebiotics showed no significant effect. Effects were larger in clinical than in healthy samples.
Conclusions
Probiotics have small effects on depressive and anxiety symptoms; evidence in psychiatric populations remains preliminary.
Limitations
Small effect sizes, heterogeneous strains and outcome scales, few trials in diagnosed psychiatric populations.
Supplements Studied
Probiotics produced a significant, albeit small, reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms relative to control conditions.
Outcomes Measured
Probiotics produced a significant, albeit small, reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms relative to control conditions.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
National Institute of Mental Health
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