Probiotics have been gaining popularity in recent years for their potential health benefits, particularly in relation to gut health and digestion. However, a groundbreaking new study has shed light on another potential benefit of probiotics – their ability to support mental health, specifically in individuals with major depressive disorder.
The study, led by researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London, in collaboration with ADM Protexin, part of ADM, examined the effects of a probiotic blend containing 14 strains of bacteria on individuals being treated for major depressive disorder with antidepressants. The results of the pilot study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, demonstrated the potential of probiotic supplementation to support improvements in depression and anxiety scores over an eight-week period.
One of the key findings of the study was the good tolerability of the probiotic blend, as well as its positive effects on mental health in adults with depression who were already taking antidepressants. This is significant as it suggests that probiotics could be a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for individuals with major depressive disorder who have not fully responded to traditional antidepressant therapy.
The study utilized a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled design, with participants receiving either the probiotic blend or a placebo over the course of eight weeks. Both groups showed improvements in their symptoms, but the probiotic group demonstrated greater improvements from week four onwards. These meaningful improvements were measured against gold standard rating scales for depression and anxiety, highlighting the potential of probiotics as a novel approach to supporting mood and mental health.
Professor James Stone, the study’s senior investigator, emphasized the importance of exploring new treatment options for individuals who do not respond fully to antidepressants. He noted that probiotics were well-tolerated by participants already taking antidepressant medications, paving the way for larger studies to further investigate the therapeutic potential of probiotics for depression and anxiety.
Dr. Viktoriya Nikolova, the study’s first author, highlighted the significance of the gut-brain axis in mood regulation and the role of probiotics in supporting mental health. The findings of this pilot study represent an important step forward in understanding the potential benefits of probiotics in mood and mental health.
Dr. Richard Day, VP of Medical Affairs at ADM, underscored the importance of the study in the context of mental health treatment, noting the high prevalence of depression and the need for alternative treatment options for individuals who do not respond fully to standard care. The results of the study provide valuable insights into the link between the gut microbiome and mental health, opening up new possibilities for treatment and support.
Overall, this pioneering study marks a significant advancement in the field of probiotic research, demonstrating the potential of probiotics as a complementary therapy for individuals with major depressive disorder. As further research is conducted, probiotics could emerge as a promising new avenue for supporting mood and mental health, offering hope for those who struggle with depression and anxiety.
Data Analysis of Probiotic Intervention in Depression Treatment
Introduction
A study conducted between September 2019 and May 2022 aimed to investigate the effects of a multistrain probiotic intervention on individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who were already on antidepressant medication. The data collected during this period were analyzed between July and September 2022 to determine the impact of the probiotic intervention on various clinical symptoms.
Intervention
Participants in the study were given either a multistrain probiotic containing 8 billion colony-forming units per day or a placebo daily for 8 weeks in addition to their ongoing antidepressant medication.
Main Outcomes and Measures
The primary outcomes of the pilot trial included retention rates, acceptability, tolerability, and the potential treatment effects on clinical symptoms such as depression (measured by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAMD-17] and Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology [IDS] scores) and anxiety (measured by Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale [HAMA] and General Anxiety Disorder [GAD-7] scores).
Results
Out of the 50 participants included in the study, 49 received the intervention and were analyzed in intent-to-treat analyses. The majority of participants were female (80%), with a mean age of 31.7 years. Attrition rate was low (8%), adherence was high (97.2%), and there were no serious adverse reactions reported. The probiotic group showed significant improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to the placebo group, as indicated by standardized effect sizes.
Standardized effect sizes from linear mixed models revealed that the probiotic group experienced greater improvements in depressive symptoms, based on HAMD-17 and IDS scores, as well as in anxiety symptoms, based on HAMA scores, compared to the placebo group. However, there was no significant difference in GAD-7 scores between the two groups.
Conclusions and Relevance
The study results suggest that the use of probiotics as an add-on treatment for individuals with MDD is promising in terms of acceptability, tolerability, and potential efficacy. Further investigation through a definitive efficacy trial is warranted to confirm these findings and establish the role of probiotics in depression treatment.
Trial Registration
The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT03893162.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of probiotics in treating depression and anxiety symptoms. Further research in this area could lead to innovative treatment options for individuals with MDD.