Effect of Probiotics on Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #age-factors #animals #depression #major-depressive-disorder

Effect of Probiotics on Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Huang et al., 2016 | Nutrients | Meta Analysis

Citation

Huang Ruixue, Wang Ke, Hu Jianan. Effect of Probiotics on Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2016-Aug-06;8(8). doi:10.3390/nu8080483

Abstract

It has been reported that gut probiotics play a major role in the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain. Probiotics may be essential to people with depression, which remains a global health challenge, as depression is a metabolic brain disorder. However, the efficacy of probiotics for depression is controversial. This study aimed to systematically review the existing evidence on the effect of probiotics-based interventions on depression. Randomized, controlled trials, identified through screening multiple databases and grey literature, were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software using a fixed-effects model. The meta-analysis showed that probiotics significantly decreased the depression scale score (MD (depressive disorder) = -0.30, 95% CI (-0.51--0.09), p = 0.005) in the subjects. Probiotics had an effect on both the healthy population (MD = -0.25, 95% CI (-0.47--0.03), p = 0.03) and patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) (MD = -0.73, 95% CI (-1.37--0.09), p = 0.03). Probiotics had an effect on the population aged under 60 (MD = -0.43, 95% CI (-0.72--0.13), p = 0.005), while it had no effect on people aged over 65 (MD = -0.18, 95% CI (-0.47-0.11), p = 0.22). This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis with the goal of determining the effect of probiotics on depression. We found that probiotics were associated with a significant reduction in depression, underscoring the need for additional research on this potential preventive strategy for depression.

Key Findings

We found that probiotics were associated with a significant reduction in depression, underscoring the need for additional research on this potential preventive strategy for depression.

Outcomes Measured

  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population major depressive disorder
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition depression

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Depression
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Dysbiosis
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Probiotics
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: probiotics-mood

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09