Gut microbiota and mental health: A comprehensive review of gut-brain interactions in mood disorders

Gut microbiota and mental health are closely connected through the gut-brain axis—a complex, bidirectional communication network between the gut and the central nervous system (CNS). The billions of bacteria that make up the human gut microbiome influence immune function, brain development, and digestion. Disruptions in this system have been linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.This review by Mehta et al. (2025) examines the complex link between gut microbiota and mental health, emphasizing the role of microbial interactions, immune regulation, and neurotransmitter balance in supporting emotional well-being. It highlights how key microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), help maintain the blood-brain barrier and regulate neuroinflammation. This review also explores the reciprocal relationship between gut health and mental health—how gut imbalances (dysbiosis) may worsen mood disorders and how mental health conditions can alter gut microbial composition. Additionally, the impact of psychotropic medications on gut flora is discussed, along with dietary and lifestyle factors influencing microbiome health. Emerging treatments, including probiotics, nutritional interventions, and precision medicine, are presented as potential approaches for managing mood disorders through gut microbiota modulation. New mental health therapies require an understanding of the gut-brain relationship. Gut microbes influence brain function through immune regulation, neurotransmitter production, and other complex mechanisms. Future research should focus on diverse populations to refine existing knowledge and create personalized therapies that integrate gut microbiome modulation with traditional mental health care. [NPID: Anxiety, blood-brain barrier, depression, dysbiosis, gut-brain axis, mental health, microbiota, mood disorders, neurotransmitters, short-chain fatty acids]

Year: 2025

Reference: Mehta, I., Juneja, K., Nimmakayala, T., Bansal, L., Pulekar, S., Duggineni, D., Ghori, H. K., Modi, N., & Younas, S. (2025). Gut microbiota and mental health: A comprehensive review of gut-brain interactions in mood disorders. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.81447

Related Studies

The impact of almonds and almond processing on gastrointestinal physiology, luminal microbiology and gastrointestinal symptoms: A randomized controlled trial and mastication study

In this randomized control trial by Creedon et al. (2022), the authors examined the impact of whole almonds and ground almonds (i.e., almond flour) on the gut microbiome population (especially bifidobacteria) and intestinal transit time, in a population of 87 healthy adults (18-45 years of age). Almonds are of particular research interest due to their […]

Gut microbiome diversity is associated with sleep physiology in humans

This 2019 study assessed the relationship between gut microbiome diversity and sleep-related outcomes. Although studies had previously produced conflicting results while examining sleep deprivation and human gut microbiome, there is growing evidence indicating that the gut microbiome may influence sleep quality. Samples of the gut microbiome were taken, while a neurobehavioral assessment was conducted to […]