Research Explores 'Psychobiotics' and Gut-Brain Axis for Mental Health
The term 'psychobiotics' refers to a research field investigating microbes and other gut-targeted ingredients for their potential effects on the brain and behavior via the gut-brain axis. This concept was first introduced in a 2013 paper by Timothy Dinan, Catherine Stanton, and John Cryan, defining psychobiotics as live organisms that could offer mental health benefits. While initially focused on probiotics, the term has since broadened to include prebiotics and other substances influencing gut microbes. The gut and brain communicate through various pathways, including nerves like the vagus nerve, hormones, immune signals, and compounds produced by gut microbes. Psychobiotic research aims to determine if altering gut microbes can impact these communication routes. However, much of the early research has been conducted in animals, and human evidence remains limited. It's crucial to note that 'psychobiotic' is a research term and not an official regulatory category for products. Supplements in the U.S. canno...
