Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lactobacillus fermentum is a probiotic bacterium that has been investigated for its potential effects on mental health, including anxiety. Recent research into the "gut-brain axis" has revealed that gut microbiota can influence brain function and behavior, with some strains of Lactobacillus showing promise in animal and preliminary human studies. There is limited but growing scientific evidence suggesting that certain probiotics may reduce symptoms of anxiety, possibly by modulating neurotransmitter levels, inflammation, and stress responses. Specifically, some studies in rodents have demonstrated anxiolytic-like (anxiety-reducing) effects after supplementation with L. fermentum, likely due to its ability to influence the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines.

However, high-quality human clinical trials focused specifically on L. fermentum and anxiety are scarce. Most human studies on probiotics and anxiety use mixed strains or different Lactobacillus species (such as L. rhamnosus or L. helveticus), and the effects cannot be directly attributed to L. fermentum alone. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale and some supportive preclinical evidence, the current level of clinical evidence is low, justifying a rating of 2 out of 5. More rigorous, large-scale human trials are needed to confirm any specific benefit of L. fermentum for anxiety.

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