Evidence supporting the use of: Bifidobacterium longum
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

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

Bifidobacterium longum is a probiotic bacterium that has garnered scientific interest for its potential effects on mental health, including anxiety disorders. The rationale for its use is based on the concept of the "gut-brain axis," which describes the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Animal studies have shown that B. longum can modulate behavior under stress, reduce anxiety-like symptoms, and influence neurotransmitter levels. For example, a 2011 study (Savignac et al., Neuroscience) demonstrated that B. longum reduced anxiety-like behavior in mice. In humans, a small number of clinical trials provide preliminary support: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Allen et al., Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 2016) found that a combination of B. longum 1714 and other probiotics reduced subjective measures of stress and improved memory in healthy volunteers. Another study (Tillisch et al., Gastroenterology, 2013) showed that probiotic intake altered brain activity in areas involved in emotion and sensation.

However, evidence remains limited, with most studies being small, short-term, and sometimes using multi-strain formulations, making it difficult to ascribe the effects solely to B. longum. Systematic reviews (e.g., Liu et al., General Psychiatry, 2019) conclude that while probiotics may benefit mood and anxiety, larger and more rigorous human studies are needed. Thus, the evidence is promising but not yet robust, meriting a moderate evidence rating.

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