The efficacy and acceptability of Lactobacillus reuteri for the treatment of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#probiotics #limosilactobacillus-reuteri #humans #depressive-disorder #depression

The efficacy and acceptability of Lactobacillus reuteri for the treatment of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cheng et al., 2025 | Gen Hosp Psychiatry | Meta Analysis

Citation

Cheng Qisheng, Ran Yuxin, ... Xie Peng. The efficacy and acceptability of Lactobacillus reuteri for the treatment of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2025;95:122-132. doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2025.05.004

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Some preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the positive effect of Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) supplementation on depressive symptoms. We conducted an updated systematic review on this topic. METHOD: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, and international trial registries were searched. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and animal experiments on the use of mixed probiotics containing L. reuteri in the treatment of depression. Analyses were done using Review Manager version 5.4 and Stata 18.0. RESULTS: In total, 12 RCTs including 1258 patients were included. The efficacy of the mixed probiotics containing L. reuteri in the treatment of depression was superior to the control group (SMD: -0.44, 95 %CI: -0.72 to -0.16). In terms of acceptability, there was no significant difference between the probiotic and control groups (OR: 1.04, 95 %CI: 0.75 to 1.45). In 9 animal experiments, mixed probiotics containing L. reuteri improved the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Subgroup analyses showed patients using multi-strain interventions (SMD: -0.56, 95 %CI: -0.97 to -0.15), having depressive symptoms (SMD: -0.39, 95 %CI: -0.74 to -0.03), and other clinical populations (SMD: -0.59, 95 %CI: -1.06 to -0.13), age < 60 years (SMD: -0.52, 95 %CI: -0.88 to -0.15), female patients (SMD: -0.45, 95 %CI: -0.78 to -0.13) may benefit more. CONCLUSION: Mixed probiotics containing L. reuteri ameliorated depressive symptoms in patients and depression-like behaviors in animals. Combined microbiota seems to be more effective than single strain intervention in the treatment of depression. Patients with depressive symptoms, other clinical populations, age < 60 years, female patients may benefit more from probiotics. L. reuteri alone did not improve depressive symptoms.

Key Findings

In total, 12 RCTs including 1258 patients were included. The efficacy of the mixed probiotics containing L. reuteri in the treatment of depression was superior to the control group (SMD: -0.44, 95 %CI: -0.72 to -0.16). In terms of acceptability, there was no significant difference between the probiotic and control groups (OR: 1.04, 95 %CI: 0.75 to 1.45). In 9 animal experiments, mixed probiotics containing L. reuteri improved the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Subgroup analyses showed patie

Outcomes Measured

  • anxiety
  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population depressive symptoms
Sample Size 1258
Age Range See abstract
Condition anxiety

MeSH Terms

  • Probiotics
  • Limosilactobacillus reuteri
  • Humans
  • Depressive Disorder
  • Depression
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Animals
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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