The effects of probiotics on mood and emotion

JAAPA. 2018 May;31(5):1-3. doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000532122.07789.f0.

Abstract

Preliminary research in humans and rodents demonstrates that various probiotic formulations of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have a clinical and neurochemical anxiolytic effect on the central nervous system (CNS). Further research is warranted to more extensively examine the theorized connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the CNS; however, initial evidence suggests probiotics affect various mechanisms of the gut-brain connection that modulate anxiety-like behaviors. This article describes the wider-reaching effects of probiotics, specifically related to behavior and brain function.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Affect*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents*
  • Anxiety / microbiology*
  • Bifidobacterium / physiology
  • Brain / microbiology
  • Central Nervous System / microbiology
  • Emotions*
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / physiology
  • Humans
  • Lactobacillus / physiology
  • Mice
  • Probiotics / pharmacology*
  • Rats

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents