Evidence supporting the use of: Probiotics
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

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

There is emerging scientific interest in the use of probiotics to support mental health, including anxiety disorders, based on the concept of the “gut-brain axis.” This axis refers to the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system. Several animal studies and a growing number of small human clinical trials have suggested that certain probiotic strains may influence neurotransmitter levels, reduce inflammation, and modulate stress responses, which could theoretically help with anxiety symptoms.

However, the current body of evidence is preliminary and mixed. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown modest, if any, benefit of probiotics over placebo for reducing anxiety in otherwise healthy individuals and in people with diagnosed anxiety disorders. The studies often have small sample sizes, use different probiotic strains and formulations, and vary in outcome measures, leading to heterogeneity and limited generalizability. Notably, the American Psychiatric Association and other major psychiatric organizations do not currently recommend probiotics as a primary or adjunctive treatment for anxiety disorders.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and early clinical data suggesting probiotics may have a role in modulating anxiety, the evidence is insufficient and inconsistent. Probiotics are not yet considered an evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders, and further high-quality research is needed.

More about Probiotics
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Products containing Probiotics

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.