The Effect of Gut Microbiome Composition on Human Mental Health

Abstract

Human gut microbiota is a complex microbial community where the host and each member have established a strong relationship with each other. The effects of gut microbiota on the immune system, brain development, and especially for mental disorders like depression and anxiety have attracted attention in recent years. Since clinical observations and animal trials have revealed much evidence of an active link between the gut and the brain, the interactions of gut microbiota with the surrounding environment have become a new and significant area of study in medical, biochemical, and many fields. However, there is very little knowledge about the nature of these interactions and how they caused changes in human physiology, development, immunity, and nutrition. By getting an exact idea of how gut microbiota affects depression and anxiety, more efficient treatments with lesser side effects can develop for patients with the above mental illnesses. Therefore, this field needs more research using animal and human patients. This review summarizes the connection between the alteration of gut microbiota composition and mental health to give a clear idea of how gut microbiota is involved in depression and anxiety disorders, including behavioral and neurochemical changes.