Efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation on depressive and anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- 2026-08
- Journal of affective disorders 406
- Bo Li
- Jie Fu
- Siyuan Wang
- Xiaojiao Bi
- Defeng Xu
- Lina Wang
- Dongdong Qiao
- PubMed: 41921871
- DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2026.121717
Study Design
- Type
- Meta-Analysis
- Sample size
- n = 532
- Population
- 532 participants from eight studies
- Methods
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies; comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science; data pooled using a random-effects model; subgroup analysis, meta-regression, publication bias assessment, and sensitivity analysis performed
This study aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in relieving depressive and anxiety symptoms through a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies. We conducted a comprehensive search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for relevant literature published up to February 28th, 2026. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies that used standardized scales to assess the effects of FMT on depressive or anxiety symptoms were included. Data were pooled using a random-effects model to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analysis, meta-regression, publication bias assessment, and sensitivity analysis were performed. Eight studies involving 532 participants were included in the analysis. FMT demonstrated significant improvements in both depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms, with effect sizes of Hedges' g = -0.81 and Hedges' g = -1.05, respectively. However, substantial heterogeneity was observed for both outcomes, and the small number of included studies imposed certain limitations on the conclusions. Subgroup analysis suggested that the type of control groups in RCTs might partially explain the heterogeneity in both depressive and anxiety symptom outcomes. Furthermore, FMT exhibited a favorable safety profile, with no serious adverse events reported. In conclusion, these findings suggest that FMT is a potentially effective and safe intervention for improving depressive and anxiety symptoms. Large-scale, high-quality, and standardized RCTs are required to verify these results and promote the clinical translation of this therapy.