Probiotic Add-On Therapy for Depression: Clinical and Neural Effects
Can Probiotics Treat Depression Through the Gut-Brain Connection?
A randomized controlled trial published in Translational Psychiatry examines the clinical, gut microbial and neural effects of probiotic add-on therapy in depressed patients. This groundbreaking study investigated whether probiotics - beneficial bacteria that support gut health - could serve as an effective add-on treatment for depression by targeting the gut-brain axis. The research examined not only clinical outcomes but also changes in gut microbiome composition and brain activity patterns, providing comprehensive evidence for how probiotics might influence mental health through multiple biological pathways.