Effects of probiotics on symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults: A pilot study
LE3 .A278 2015
2014
Potter, Susan
Acadia University
Master of Science
Masters
Clinical Psychology
Psychology
The effects of probiotics on mental and physical health symptoms were examined in adults using a double-blind, crossover design. Participants consumed a probiotic (Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum) powder and a placebo powder, each for five weeks, separated by a two-week wash-out period. One third of participants were assigned to a wait-list control group during the first 5 weeks before beginning the intervention phases. The mental and physical health measures were completed at the beginning and end of each phase. Fifty-five participants completed the first intervention phase and 49 also completed the second. Participants significantly improved on a measure of overall mental health during the probiotic condition compared to the placebo condition; however, there were no other differences between probiotic and placebo conditions on the other measures. All groups (probiotic, placebo, and wait-list control) showed improvements on measures of anxiety, depression, and gastrointestinal symptoms across the study period regardless of condition.
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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:343