The Gut–Brain Axis and Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Role of Nutritional Interventions Targeting the Gut Microbiome—A Systematic Review
Abstract
The gut–brain axis (GBA) comprises bidirectional communication connecting the gut and brain. Many neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS), are characterized by a dysfunction of the GBA, indicating its possible role in disease pathogenesis. This systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines, mainly using the following keywords: gut–brain axis, gut microbiota, gut dysbiosis, neurodegenerative disorders, prebiotics, and probiotics. The most recent scientific articles were searched from the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. The main components and communication pathways of the GBA are discussed in this study, and the aim was to investigate if therapeutic approaches, through dietary intervention targeting the gut microbiota, could ameliorate NDDs. The gut microbiota is a crucial constituent of the GBA, and an unbalanced microbiota, known as dysbiosis, has been related to GBA impairment and neurodegeneration. In most of the studies discussed, the modulation of the microbial constitution through nutritional intervention and probiotic and prebiotic supplementation showed promising outcomes. Although promising, further research is essential to fully elucidate the mechanisms involved and confirm the therapeutic potential of gut microbiota modulation in NDDs.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Bile Acid 7α-Dehydroxylating Gut Bacteria Secrete Antibiotics that Inhibit Clostridium difficile: Role of Secondary Bile Acids
- Ketogenic diet alleviates colitis by reduction of colonic group 3 innate lymphoid cells through altering gut microbiome
- Altered gut microbiome composition and function are associated with gut barrier dysfunction in healthy relatives of patients with Crohn's disease
- Diet, obesity, and the gut microbiome as determinants modulating metabolic outcomes in a non-human primate model
- Immune Impairment Associated with Vitamin A Deficiency: Insights from Clinical Studies and Animal Model Research
- Glyphosate-based herbicides influence antioxidants, reproductive hormones and gut microbiome but not reproduction: A long-term experiment in an avian model
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.