This article on probiotics, mental and neurological health provides a literature review of the disease-specific probiotic strains studied in published clinical trials in humans and animals as they relate to brain and mental 
health. The table designs allow for quick access to supportive data related to disease states and are a helpful guide for clinicians. This article, part one of nine condition-related literature reviews from Integrative Medicine, a Clinician’s Journal, focuses on mental health and neurological conditions. This explores the role of probiotics in balancing mental health and neurological issues. Conditions in mental health include anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and autism. Neurological conditions include age-related cognitive decline, hepatic encephalopathy, cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis.
Note from the researchers: This literature review originated from a group class project that was part of the requirements for a course in the doctoral program in functional and clinical nutrition at the Maryland University of Integrative Health (Laurel, MD, USA)
There is considerable research on the gut microbiome and role of probiotics; however, this research has not been clearly connected with clinical practice. Clinicians recommend probiotics to their patients. Our group undertook a review of current literature to explore which specific probiotics and probiotic strains have been used in clinical studies in humans and animals. To make this clinically valuable, product names of probiotics and fermented foods have been included. Finished products vary between manufacturers and listing brands provide transparency and a useful guide to clinicians when choosing specific probiotic and fermented food products. Exclusions of products meeting our criteria do not mean that these products are not effective—we simply were not aware of them.”
What you will learn:
- Research Overview: Mental Health/Neurotransmitters/Stress on various probiotic strains to address mood and neurotransmitter disorders.
- Comprehensive table of specific strains and scientific overview and condition specific uses.
- Table of neurological conditions with respective probiotic strains, corresponding research and foods.
- Summary of brands by health concern (NOTE from Today’s Practitioner Editor: This article was written in 2016, therefore a number of available brands to address mood and brain disorders are not included. For updated research on mood disorders and probiotics, please click over to our Mood and Microbiome Resource Centre).
