Stress and anxiety are increasingly common, and depression is one of the main mental health problems worldwide.

A number of these disorders, especially stress and anxiety, are associated with high blood levels of cortisol, the human stress hormone.

Several studies have looked into how probiotics affect people with clinically diagnosed depression.

One study showed that taking a mixture of three Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria strains for 8 weeks significantly reduced symptoms of depression. They also had reduced levels of inflammation.

A handful of other studies have examined how probiotics affect depressive symptoms in people without clinically diagnosed depression, including.

symptoms of anxiety
depressive symptoms
psychological distress
academic stress

Certain probiotics may reduce anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms in the general population. Yet, more studies are needed to understand their potential benefits for those with clinically diagnosed mental health conditions.