The Role of Gut Microbiome in Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication pathway involving the gut microbiome, plays a critical role in mental health. This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the relationship between gut microbiome composition and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. A comprehensive analysis of 32 randomized controlled and observational studies, revealed significant associations between gut dysbiosis and mental health outcomes. Reduced microbial diversity and altered abundance of specific bacterial species such as increased Bacteroidetes and decreased Firmicutes, were linked to higher risks of depression and anxiety. Mechanistic pathways, including neurotransmitter modulation, vagal nerve signaling, and immune system interactions, were identified as potential mediators of this relationship. Microbiome-based interventions, such as probiotics and prebiotics, demonstrated promising effects in alleviating symptoms of mental health disorders. These findings highlight the potential of targeting the gut microbiome as an adjunctive therapy for mental health conditions and emphasize the need for further longitudinal and mechanistic studies to establish causality and optimize treatment strategies. Categories: Psychiatry, Gastroenterology, Nutrition

Keywords: meta-analysis, systematic review, microbiome-based interventions, mental health disorders, gut-brain axis