Research
Hormonal
Specific probiotic strains (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) can exert anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects by modulating the gut-brain axis, potentially via GABA secretion and vagus nerve signaling.
Consider high-quality probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains if you struggle with stress or anxiety, especially if other interventions have failed. Note that effects may vary by strain and individual microbiota.
ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
However, some probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus, may cause changes in emotional and cognitive indicators by acting on the ENS and the immune system, thereby improving stress response and exerting an anti-anxiety effect.
Why this rating
Strong animal evidence; human clinical trials are limited and often small.
Source
The Role of Microbiome in Insomnia, Circadian Disturbance and Depression
Yuanyuan Li et al. · Frontiers in Psychiatry · 2018
DOI 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00669
narrative_reviewCited 294×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Disruption of circadian rhythms and sleep loss alters gut microbiota composition (dysbiosis), leading to increased intestinal permeability and systemic low-grade inflammation, which contributes to metabolic dysfunction and mood disorders.Moderate
- Depression and insomnia are associated with specific alterations in gut microbiota composition, including decreased Bacteroidetes and increased Firmicutes/Actinobacteria, suggesting a bidirectional link between mental health and gut ecology.Moderate
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