Synopsis

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

Prebiotics are non-digestible food components (often certain types of fiber) that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. There is emerging scientific interest in the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Preclinical animal studies and a small number of human trials suggest that modifying the gut microbiota with prebiotics may influence mood and anxiety-like behaviors, possibly through effects on inflammation, neurotransmitter production, or the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Some small randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated the effects of prebiotic supplementation (such as galacto-oligosaccharides or fructo-oligosaccharides) on anxiety and stress. For example, a 2015 RCT found that galacto-oligosaccharide supplementation reduced waking cortisol and improved emotional processing in healthy volunteers, suggesting potential anxiolytic effects. However, these studies are limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and often involve healthy individuals rather than those diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

To date, there is no high-quality, large-scale evidence to support the use of prebiotics as a primary or adjunctive treatment for clinically diagnosed anxiety disorders. The scientific evidence is preliminary and considered low to moderate quality. More rigorous clinical research is needed before prebiotics can be recommended for this indication.

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