Do probiotics make any difference in improving mood/depression?

⚪ Clinical pearl: Small but positive RCTs show mood gains with daily multi-strain probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium at ≥10 billion CFU, particularly in major depression, stress, and postpartum risk. Avoid use in severely immunocompromised patients. Emphasize diet first (live-culture yogurt, kefir, kimchi) then add the capsule if dietary change is not feasible.

Based off of Chris Aiken, MD's recommendations (https://chrisaikenmd.com/supplements/), I usually recommend this one: https://a.co/d/eXDKrz5

🔗 To learn more about this pearl, check out the Carlat Article: https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/3361-probiotics-in-psychiatry