Association of gut-microbiome and mental health and effects of probiotics on psychiatric disorders: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Abstract

Background: A correlation between gut microbiome and mental health has drawn significant attention
lately. The effects of microbiome microorganisms and their byproducts on disease states represent a
complex and dynamic field of study. The objective of this article is to review the association of gut
microbes and mental health and the effects of probiotics on psychiatric disorders, if any.
Methodology: This meta-analysis was conducted using the PRISMA standards. We have compiled the
most recent advancements in the field according to human research published in this Systematic review
and meta-analysis.
Results: The forest plot analysis revealed that probiotics or probiotics combined with other intervention
modalities did significantly reduce some extent of mental disorders in comparison to the control group
(Standardized mean difference) SMD = 0.95, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): −6.52 to 8.42, P value<
0.01.
Conclusion: Overall, the reviewed literature supports the importance of gut microbiota–brain interaction
in human mental illnesses, including the impact of probiotics on mental health outcomes and brain
connection.