Effect of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics on depression: results from a meta-analysis

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#female #humans #databases-factual #depression #prebiotics

Effect of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics on depression: results from a meta-analysis

Zhang et al., 2023 | BMC Psychiatry | Meta Analysis

Citation

Zhang Qin, Chen Bing, ... Lu Jing. Effect of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics on depression: results from a meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry. 2023-Jun-29;23(1):477. doi:10.1186/s12888-023-04963-x

Abstract

Accumulating studies have shown the effects of gut microbiota management tools in improving depression. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on patients with depression. We searched six databases up to July 2022. In total, 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 786 participants were included. The overall results demonstrated that patients who received prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics had significantly improved symptoms of depression compared with those in the placebo group. However, subgroup analysis only confirmed the significant antidepressant effects of agents that contained probiotics. In addition, patients with mild or moderate depression could both benefit from the treatment. Studies with a lower proportion of females reported stronger effects for alleviating depressive symptoms. In conclusion, agents that manipulate gut microbiota might improve mild-to-moderate depression. It is necessary to further investigate the benefits of prebiotic, probiotic and synbiotic treatments relative to antidepressants and follow up with individuals over a longer time before these therapies are implemented in clinical practice.

Key Findings

It is necessary to further investigate the benefits of prebiotic, probiotic and synbiotic treatments relative to antidepressants and follow up with individuals over a longer time before these therapies are implemented in clinical practice.

Outcomes Measured

  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population depression
Sample Size 786
Age Range See abstract
Condition depression

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Databases, Factual
  • Depression
  • Prebiotics
  • Probiotics
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Synbiotics
  • Male

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: probiotics-mood

Provenance

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