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Some studies suggest probiotics can help with anxiety, while other studies indicate their effectiveness remains unclear or insufficient.
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The potential of probiotics to alleviate anxiety has garnered significant interest in recent years. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed, are thought to influence mental health through the gut-brain axis. This synthesis aims to evaluate the current evidence on whether probiotics can help with anxiety, based on multiple research studies.
General Efficacy of Probiotics on Anxiety and Depression:
Specific Probiotic Strains and Anxiety:
Population-Specific Effects:
Mechanisms and Psychological Benefits:
Limitations and Need for Further Research:
The current body of research suggests that probiotics may have a modest effect on reducing anxiety, particularly in individuals with clinical anxiety or depression. Specific strains like Lactobacillus plantarum P8 and Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001 show promise, but the overall evidence is mixed and further high-quality studies are needed. While probiotics hold potential as an adjunct therapy for anxiety, their efficacy in healthy individuals under stress remains inconclusive.
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