Probiotics May Benefit Mental Health

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A small clinical trial suggests that probiotics may modestly alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms in older adults when used alongside standard antidepressant treatment.

The 12-week study by researchers at the Indian Council of Medical Research involved 58 adults age 60 and older with moderate depression. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a daily probiotic supplement or a placebo while continuing their regular antidepressant medication. Although both groups’ symptoms decreased over time, those taking probiotics experienced somewhat greater reductions in depression and anxiety.

The researchers also examined changes in gut bacteria and measured levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein linked to brain health, to better understand how probiotics might affect mental well-being. However, probiotics did not appear to provide additional improvements in overall quality of life.

The findings support the growing evidence for a connection between gut health and mental health, suggesting probiotics could become a safe complementary treatment for depression. Because this was a small pilot study, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm the results and determine who is most likely to benefit. The researchers have already announced plans for a larger follow-up study.