Effectiveness of Psychobiotics in the Treatment of Psychiatric and Cognitive Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

2024-04-30
Nutrients 16(9)

PubMed: 38732599
DOI: 10.3390/nu16091352

Study Design

Type: Systematic Review
Sample size: n = 3,353
Population: adults with psychiatric and cognitive disorders
Methods: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials conducted from January 2000 to December 2023; 51 studies involving 3353 patients where half received psychobiotics; treatments commonly utilizing strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria over periods ranging from 4 to 24 weeks

Rigorous Journal

In this study, a systematic review of randomized clinical trials conducted from January 2000 to December 2023 was performed to examine the efficacy of psychobiotics-probiotics beneficial to mental health via the gut-brain axis-in adults with psychiatric and cognitive disorders. Out of the 51 studies involving 3353 patients where half received psychobiotics, there was a notably high measurement of effectiveness specifically in the treatment of depression symptoms. Most participants were older and female, with treatments commonly utilizing strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria over periods ranging from 4 to 24 weeks. Although there was a general agreement on the effectiveness of psychobiotics, the variability in treatment approaches and clinical presentations limits the comparability and generalization of the findings. This underscores the need for more personalized treatment optimization and a deeper investigation into the mechanisms through which psychobiotics act. The research corroborates the therapeutic potential of psychobiotics and represents progress in the management of psychiatric and cognitive disorders.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71	—	Improved Depressive Symptoms	Beneficial	Moderate	View source There was a notably high measurement of effectiveness specifically in the treatment of depression symptoms.
Lactobacillus casei PXN 37	—	Improved Depressive Symptoms	Beneficial	Moderate	View source There was a notably high measurement of effectiveness specifically in the treatment of depression symptoms.