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201 - ‘Psychobiotics: A Novel Class of Psychotropic’. Biological psychiatry. 74(10), 720-726

Reference Number: 201

Year: 2013

Authors: Timothy G. Dinan, Catherine Stanton, and John F. Cryan

Link: Link to original paper

Health: Depression | Gut Microbiome - Creating Healthier Bread to Support Optimal Gut Health | Mental Health | Stress

Summary

Here, we define a psychobiotic as a live organism that, when ingested in adequate amounts, produces a health benefit in patients suffering from psychiatric illness. As a class of probiotic, these bacteria are capable of producing and delivering neuroactive substances such as gamma-aminobutyric acid and serotonin, which act on the brain-gut axis. Preclinical evaluation in rodents suggests that certain psychobiotics possess antidepressant or anxiolytic activity. Effects may be mediated via the vagus nerve, spinal cord, or neuroendocrine systems. So far, psychobiotics have been most extensively studied in a liaison psychiatric setting in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, where positive benefits have been reported for a number of organisms including Bifidobacterium infantis. Evidence is emerging of benefits in alleviating symptoms of depression and in chronic fatigue syndrome. Such benefits may be related to the anti-inflammatory actions of certain psychobiotics and a capacity to reduce hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity. Results from large scale placebo-controlled studies are awaited.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS STUDY

Some probiotics have the potential to act as psychobiotics (live organisms that have mental health benefits when eaten). Further work is needed to identify which probiotics are effective.

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All reasonable care is taken when advising about health aspects of bread, but the information that we share is not intended to take the place of treatment by a qualified medical practitioner. You must seek professional advice if you are in any doubt about any medical condition. Any application of the ideas and information contained on this website is at the reader's sole discretion and risk.

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