Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bifidobacterium (unspecified species) has been investigated for its potential to support or alleviate anxiety, primarily based on emerging scientific interest in the gut-brain axis. Several studies, particularly in the last decade, have evaluated the effects of various Bifidobacterium strains on mood and anxiety. Some randomized controlled trials and animal studies suggest that specific strains, such as Bifidobacterium longum 1714 and Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001, may reduce anxiety-like behaviors or self-reported anxiety symptoms. For example, a 2017 clinical trial found that B. longum 1714 supplementation in healthy volunteers reduced stress and improved subjective memory. Another study in patients with irritable bowel syndrome demonstrated that B. longum NCC3001 reduced anxiety scores compared to placebo.

However, much of the evidence is preliminary, strain-specific, and based on small sample sizes. There is currently insufficient high-quality, large-scale clinical data to broadly recommend unspecified Bifidobacterium for anxiety. Most commercially available probiotics do not specify the strains or have evidence supporting their efficacy for this condition. The proposed mechanisms involve modulation of the gut microbiota, immune signaling, and neuroactive compound production, but these pathways are not fully understood. In summary, while there is early scientific interest and some promising results, the overall evidence remains limited and cannot be generalized to all Bifidobacterium strains or products.

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