Authors

Dana L. Ault, Gretchen E. Elsey, Kendall W. Brest, Paul D. Wilkinson, Joseph C. Meola, Macey A. Slack, Sarah J. Neu, Chelsea J. Morris, Philip J. Prins, Jefferey D. Buxton, Annemarieke Van Opstal, Maria Stolaki, Hayden D. Gerhart

Year

2023

Journal

International Journal of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Science

Abstract

Background: Probiotics may be an efficacious treatment option to manage symptoms of mood disorders, which is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Probiotics may strengthen the intestinal barrier and improve the bidirectional communication between the gut and brain.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a multi-strain probiotic supplement on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in healthy, college-aged individuals who were not clinically diagnosed with a mood disorder.

Methods: Participants consumed daily either a probiotic (PRO) (n=28) or placebo (PLA) (n=21) supplement for six weeks. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were measured at baseline, and after 21 and 42 days of supplement ingestion.

Total mood and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were compared between probiotic and placebo supplement groups by independent t-tests. To detect within-groups difference over time, 2×3 repeated measures ANOVAs were performed to assess the effects of supplements on total mood and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Results: Six weeks of ingestion of a PRO or PLA supplement significantly (p<0.05) improved symptoms of depression (PRO post=6.65 ± 1.39 score, PLA post=5.6 ± 5.2 score) anxiety (PRO post=7.70 ± 1.4 score, PLA post=5.53 ± 1.09 score) and stress (PRO post=11.30 ± 1.53 score, PLA post=11.11 ± 1.08 score). A repeated measures ANOVA did not show a significant (p>0.05) main effect for supplement.

Conclusion: Daily ingestion of a PRO or PLA supplement for six weeks improved symptoms of mood disorders in college-aged individuals.