Evaluating the scientific evidence to support mental health and well-being claims made on probiotic products.

2025-01-19
Nutrition and health 31(4)

PubMed: 39828955
DOI: 10.1177/02601060241305682

Study Design

Type: Review
Population: Probiotic supplements with mental health claims on the product label; 18 studies relevant to the products and investigating mental health outcomes
Methods: Narrative review of the scientific evidence: probiotic supplements with mental health claims on the product label were identified, and a search of Google Scholar, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed; included studies were assessed for risk of bias

BackgroundIncreasing interest in probiotics for mental health has led to products marketed to consumers claiming psychological benefits. This study aimed to identify mental health claims on probiotic supplements and to provide a narrative review of the scientific evidence to support these claims.MethodsProbiotic supplements with mental health claims on the product label were identified. A search of the scientific literature was performed using Google Scholar, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies were included if the primary outcome was mental health or a biomarker of mental health, if they investigated the exact probiotic strain or combination of strains as present in the product, and if the study was a trial of probiotics conducted in either humans or animals. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias.ResultsFourteen probiotic products with mental health claims were identified containing five different strains or strain combinations. Eighteen studies relevant to the products and investigating mental health outcomes met inclusion criteria. Ten studies investigated the same combination of probiotics and provided evidence to support the claims made. Statistically significant results were not universally present for all products.ConclusionThe amount and quality of evidence to support claims of mental health benefits made on probiotic products is variable. The results support the need for a grading system to facilitate informed consumer decision-making when choosing a probiotic supplement to support mental health.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71	—	Improved Mental Health	Beneficial	Small	View source Ten studies investigated the same combination of probiotics and provided evidence to support the claims made. Statistically significant results were not universally present for all products.
Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71	—	Improved Psychological Well-being	Beneficial	Small	View source The results support the need for a grading system to facilitate informed consumer decision-making when choosing a probiotic supplement to support mental health.
Bifidobacterium breve Rosell-70	—	Improved Mental Health	Beneficial	Small	View source Ten studies investigated the same combination of probiotics and provided evidence to support the claims made. Statistically significant results were not universally present for all products.
Bifidobacterium lactis BL818	—	Improved Mental Health	Beneficial	Small	View source Ten studies investigated the same combination of probiotics and provided evidence to support the claims made. Statistically significant results were not universally present for all products.
Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175	—	Improved Mental Health	Beneficial	Small	View source Ten studies investigated the same combination of probiotics and provided evidence to support the claims made. Statistically significant results were not universally present for all products.
Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52	—	Improved Mental Health	Beneficial	Small	View source Ten studies investigated the same combination of probiotics and provided evidence to support the claims made. Statistically significant results were not universally present for all products.
Lactobacillus plantarum Rosell-A	—	Improved Mental Health	Beneficial	Small	View source Ten studies investigated the same combination of probiotics and provided evidence to support the claims made. Statistically significant results were not universally present for all products.