Probiotics (General)

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits, particularly for gut health, immune function, & potentially mood & metabolic health.

gut-healthimmunemental-healthmetabolic

Evidence last reviewed: 05 Apr 2026

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Biomarkers studied

Outcomes directly measured across the evidence records below

Metabolic

Insulin Sensitivity

Cognitive

Mood / WellbeingAnxiety

Gut

Gut Microbiome

Evidence

5 records

depression

Individuals with depression • Meta-analysis

PUBMEDModerate

Probiotics yielded small but significant effects for reducing depression.

Dose: —

Citation: Liu et al. (2019). Prebiotics and probiotics for depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Neurobiology of Reviews.

anxiety

Individuals with anxiety • Meta-analysis

PUBMEDModerate

Probiotics showed small but significant effects for reducing anxiety.

Dose: —

Citation: Liu et al. (2019). Prebiotics and probiotics for depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Neurobiology of Reviews.

acute infectious diarrhoea

Individuals with acute infectious diarrhoea • Systematic review

PUBMEDModerate

Probiotics may be effective in reducing the duration of acute infectious diarrhoea.

Dose: —

Citation: Collinson et al. (2020). Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhoea. Nutrition.

irritable bowel syndrome

Individuals with IBS • Systematic review

PUBMEDModerate

Probiotics may provide benefits for managing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Dose: —

Citation: Dale et al. (2019). Probiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Up-to-Date Systematic Review.

insulin resistance

Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) • Systematic review

PUBMEDLow

Probiotics, prebiotics, & synbiotics may help manage insulin resistance & hormonal imbalance in PCOS.

Dose: —

Citation: Martinez Guevara et al. (2024). Effectiveness of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics in Managing Insulin Resistance and Hormonal Imbalance in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Forms

Capsules

Common form for general use.

Powder

Often mixed with water or food.

Fermented Foods

Includes yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.

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