Effect of Probiotics on Depression: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Depression is a globally prevalent mental health disorder with significant cognitive deficits. Treatments by psychotherapy and antidepressant often fail to address the cognitive impairments. In recent years, the manipulation of gut microbiota-brain axis has emerged as a promising target for the treatment of this neuropsychiatric condition. Probiotic supplements have been suggested as a strategy to modulate the gut microbiome, and concurrently improve the communication of the gut and the brain in order to alleviate depressive symptoms and improve cognitive functions. Although preliminary studies show promising result, the acceptance of probiotics intervention remains as an ongoing debate in the healthcare field. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the effects of probiotics on depression, focusing on changes in gut microbial composition and neural mechanisms.