Probiotics may help lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety

Probiotics and Antidepressants: Do They Work Together Through the Gut-Brain Axis?

Probiotics and Antidepressants: Do They Work Together Through the Gut-Brain Axis?

By Megan Grant
Scientifically reviewed by: Michael A. Smith, MD

At a Glance

  • Probiotics may help lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  • The gut-brain axis allows for communication between the digestive system and the central nervous system.
  • Certain probiotic strains have been shown to support better mood, alone or in combination with antidepressants.

What do probiotics and depression have to do with each other? According to one study, potentially a lot. Researchers worked with 41 participants with current depressive events who were under treatment. They received either a multi-strain probiotic or a placebo for one month. Researchers monitored the microbiome profile, the gut-brain axis, and symptoms of both depression and anxiety.

The results showed that the frequency and intensity of the participants' depressive symptoms decreased over time. This change was more pronounced in the probiotic group, compared to the placebo group. They also found that the probiotic helped maintain microbial diversity in the gut and increased the abundance of the Lactobacillus species, which wasn't present in the placebo group.

In other words, the results showed that adding probiotics to antidepressant treatment helped improve symptoms of depression and anxiety and supported microbial diversity and abundance.

The study highlights the pivotal role of the gut-brain axis in mood and well-being!

Neurotransmitter Panel (Comprehensive) Urine Test

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are living microbes that provide specific health benefits when consumed in sufficient amounts. Note that probiotics are not the microbes that live in your gut. These are called gut microbes.

Instead, you ingest probiotics—for instance, in a supplement and through probiotic-containing foods.

"Probiotic" is an umbrella term. There are, in fact, many, many types of probiotics! Some are more common than others, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, but there are numerous species and strains.

When you buy a probiotic supplement, you might see probiotics written in a certain way. For example, Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52. Here's how to understand the name:

  1. Lactobacillus is the genus name.
  2. Helveticus is the species name.
  3. Rosell-52 is the strain designation.

Probiotics help maintain gut microbiome balance, which, in turn, supports a healthy gut-brain axis.

How do probiotics influence the gut-brain axis?

First, what is the gut-brain axis? It's the two-way communication between your digestive system and your central nervous system (CNS).

It's thanks to this connection that the brain can influence gut functions (like digestion). Similarly, the gut's microbiome produces neurotransmitters that can influence brain health, mood, and cognitive processes. This communication is possible through various pathways, including the vagus nerve, the immune system, and hormones.

Where do probiotics come in? When you take a probiotic supplement, you're helping your body curate gut microbiome balance, which—thanks to the gut-brain axis—has a direct link to mood, emotional well-being, and overall cognitive health. In other words, when you take probiotics, you're not just supporting gut health; you're also doing your brain a favor.

How do antidepressants work, and which do doctors prescribe most?

In general, antidepressants work by interacting with brain pathways that regulate the release and reuptake of neurotransmitters like serotonin.

There are different types of antidepressants, but here are the four most common ones:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):

    Often, these are the prescriptions many patients receive first. These block the reabsorption (the "reuptake") of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood. This increases the amount of serotonin available in the brain, which can enhance communication between brain cells and elevate mood.

  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs):

    This class of antidepressants also works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is involved in energy, concentration, and alertness. Ultimately, SNRIs can be beneficial for individuals with fatigue and issues with focus, alongside their mood issues.

  • Atypical antidepressants:

    This is an umbrella term that categorizes newer medications that don't fit into other classes. Each drug in this group works differently. For example, some affect dopamine and norepinephrine, while others impact serotonin. When SSRIs aren't effective, doctors recommend these types of prescriptions.

  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs):

    These are one of the oldest classes of antidepressants. They are similar to SNRIs but less selective, meaning they work with multiple neurotransmitter pathways, not just serotonin. Since they can impact other receptors in the brain, they are associated with more significant side effects, so they're usually not first-line recommendations.
Antidepressant How It Works
SSRI Selectively blocks the reuptake of serotonin, thereby increasing its availability in the brain.
SNRI Blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.
Atypical A category of drugs that can impact dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitter systems.
TCA Target a wider range of neurotransmitter systems, not just serotonin, potentially leading to more side effects.

How might probiotics complement antidepressant therapy?

Now that you understand the connection between the gut and brain, let's dive into how probiotics and antidepressants might work together.

Probiotics can support the production of serotonin in the gut, and these changes are communicated to the brain via the gut-brain axis.

In addition, probiotics support a balanced inflammatory response, the gut barrier, and the normalization of cortisol, one of the stress hormones.

This is why the state of the gut microbiome and mental health are so tightly linked.

GI 360 Stool Analysis Fecal Test

What does current research say about probiotics for mood and depression?

The connection between mood and gut health has long been an area of curiosity. In general, clinical trials have consistently found positive results when combining probiotics with antidepressant therapy.

In one study involving adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and incomplete antidepressant response, researchers found that daily multi-strain probiotics resulted in bigger improvements in both depression and anxiety scores, compared to the placebo. Better yet, there were no serious adverse responses.

In a meta-analysis that looked at trials assessing the potential for probiotics with both depression and anxiety, probiotics demonstrated a significant reduction in depression symptoms and a moderate reduction in anxiety symptoms.

Probiotics are a promising complement to antidepressant therapy, especially for individuals who don't fully or desirably respond to antidepressants alone. However, more research is needed to determine optimal strains, dosing, and patient selection.

Which probiotic strains have mood support studies?

Two of the most commonly studied probiotics that help with mood, often called "psychobiotics," are:

  • Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52
  • Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175

Many studies use multi-strain formulations, with most employing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Follow the clinical study recommendations for optimal results.

Can you safely take probiotics with antidepressants?

Yes! Current research indicates that taking probiotics with antidepressants is safe, well-tolerated, and may improve your mental and physical health.

It's still best to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially if you're currently diagnosed with a medical condition, like depression. Once you get the green light to try a new supplement, be sure to follow the directions on the label or the guidance provided by your doctor.

Who might benefit most from combining probiotics with antidepressants?

This combination may benefit individuals who experience both gut discomfort and mood-related concerns. It may also be helpful for individuals who have not fully responded to antidepressant therapy.

Again, if you're being treated for a medical condition, consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

Can probiotics raise serotonin levels?

Probiotics may raise serotonin levels mostly within the gut. However, they don't work like antidepressants that increase serotonin in the brain.

Gut serotonin does not travel to the brain, but rather, the changes that occur in the gut communicate with the brain via the gut-brain axis.

What vitamins do antidepressants deplete?

Antidepressants may decrease levels of certain nutrients and vitamins, though it depends on the specific medication. However, some nutrients that can be affected by antidepressant intake are B vitamins, vitamin D, and CoQ10.

What can make antidepressants less effective?

Variables that can make antidepressants less effective include:

  • Age
  • Tolerance
  • Depression worsening
  • Interactions with other medications
  • Alcohol or substance abuse

Gut health and depression: an undeniable association

Can probiotics enhance antidepressant effects? Yes! Combining antidepressants with probiotic supplements can be an effective way to improve your mental health.

Even on their own probiotics may help lessen anxiety and depression symptoms, and they're also excellent for your gut health, which, thanks to the gut-brain axis, is great for brain health, too. Talk with your healthcare provider today about the best approach for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52 and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175 are the two of the most clinically studied probiotic strains for mood support.
  • The four main types of antidepressants are SSRIs, SNRIs, atypical, and TCAs.
  • Probiotics alone or in combination with antidepressants may help improve mood. Combining probiotics with antidepressants is generally safe and well-tolerated.

References

About Our Story Sources

The Life Extension Health News team delivers accurate information about vitamins, nutrition and aging. Our stories rely on multiple, authoritative sources and experts. We keep our content accurate and trustworthy, by submitting it to a medical reviewer.

Health
Quizzes

Discover nutrients you need for optimal health

Take a Quiz

General Health & Wellness

Healthy Starts Here

Read More

Lab
Testing

How Life Extension lab testing works

Learn More

Depression

Learn more about depression and depressive disorders

Read Protocol