A randomized controlled trial to examine the impact of a multi-strain probiotic on self-reported indicators of depression, anxiety, mood, and associated biomarkers
Abstract
Objective To examine the efficacy of supplementing with a multi-strain probiotic (MSP) on changes associated with mood, anxiety, and neurotransmitter levels. Method In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion, 70 healthy men and women (31.0 ± 9.5 years, 173.0 ± 10.4 cm, 73.9 ± 13.8 kg, 24.6 ± 3.5 kg/m2) supplemented with a single capsule of MSP (a total daily dose of 4 × 109 live cells comprised of a 1 × 109 live cells dose from each of the following strains: Limosilactobacillus fermentum LF16, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR06, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP01, and Bifidobacterium longum 04, Probiotical S.p.A., Novara, Italy) or a maltodextrin placebo (PLA). After 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks of supplementation and 3 weeks after ceasing supplementation, study participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Leiden Index of Depression Sensitivity (LEIDS-R) questionnaires and had plasma concentrations of cortisol, dopamine, serotonin, and C-reactive protein determined. Results BDI, STAI, and total LEIDS-R scores were reduced from baseline (p 0.05) were reported in PLA. When compared to PLA, MSP scores for state anxiety, trait anxiety, and LEIDS-R (hopeless, aggression, rumination, and total score) were significantly lower (p 0.05) in plasma dopamine, C-reactive protein, or cortisol concentrations were observed between groups. Conclusion MSP supplementation resulted in widespread improvements in several…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 70 participants or records.
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