Pre/probiotic therapy may be useful for patients with depression and/or anxiety disorders, according to a review led by researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS).
Sanjay Noonan, Elaine Macaninch and Kathy Martin conducted a systematic review analysing databases and grey literature sites to assess prebiotics and/or probiotics as treatments for depression and/or anxiety disorders. Data was then included from seven studies, which looked at 12 probiotic strains, most commonly Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casaei, and Bifidobacterium bifidium.
The researchers found that comparing taking pre/probiotics versus no treatment/placebo or when compared to baseline measures, all the studies demonstrated significant improvements in one or more of the outcomes. Eleven of the 12 different probiotics investigated were potentially useful agents.
The results showed that while probiotics may ameliorate depression, their link to lessening anxiety is not clear yet and further research is warranted. The study adds to science supporting the gut-brain axis connection and the potential of the microbiome in boosting mental health.
In the UK in 2016-17, 1.4 million people were referred to special services with mental health issues. Of this group, more than half (53 percent) had anxiety or stress-related disorders, while a third (33 percent) had depression.
"Efforts should aim to elucidate whether the perceived potential efficacy of pre/probiotic therapy in depression and/or anxiety disorders can be replicated in larger test populations, and whether any effects are maintained through continued treatment, or post cessation," the authors said.
"Detailing mechanistic explanations for any effects should be a priority. Consideration and research effort should also be directed towards identifying patient groups that may experience greater benefits of pre/probiotic therapy due to their own individual idiosyncrasies."
The study has been published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health.
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