Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 1651965 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1651965 |
| Journal | Frontiers in Microbiology |
| Volume | 16 |
| Publication status | Published - 17 Oct 2025 |
Abstract
The gut-brain axis (GBA) represents a complex bidirectional communication system connecting the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system through neural, endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary interventions, particularly probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, can influence the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, thereby modulating GBA function. Such modulation has been linked to potential benefits for cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and resilience against neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, these interventions may contribute to immune homeostasis and the management of chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying these effects and their long-term clinical relevance remain incompletely understood. In this narrative review, we systematically synthesize current clinical and preclinical evidence on the role of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in regulating the GBA. Particular attention is given to their impact on neurocognitive outcomes and systemic health, highlighting both the therapeutic potential and the existing gaps that warrant further investigation.
Keywords
- gut-brain axis, health, prebiotic, probiotic, synbiotic
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Microbiology(all)
- Microbiology
- Medicine(all)
- Microbiology (medical)
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In: Frontiers in Microbiology, Vol. 16, 1651965, 17.10.2025, p. 1651965.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - A comprehensive overview of the effects of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on the gut-brain axis
AU - Kezer, Gizem
AU - Paramithiotis, Spiros
AU - Khwaldia, Khaoula
AU - Harahap, Iskandar Azmy
AU - Čagalj, Martina
AU - Šimat, Vida
AU - Smaoui, Slim
AU - Elfalleh, Walid
AU - Ozogul, Fatih
AU - Esatbeyoglu, Tuba
N1 - Copyright © 2025 Kezer, Paramithiotis, Khwaldia, Harahap, Čagalj, Šimat, Smaoui, Elfalleh, Ozogul and Esatbeyoglu.
PY - 2025/10/17
Y1 - 2025/10/17
N2 - The gut-brain axis (GBA) represents a complex bidirectional communication system connecting the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system through neural, endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary interventions, particularly probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, can influence the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, thereby modulating GBA function. Such modulation has been linked to potential benefits for cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and resilience against neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, these interventions may contribute to immune homeostasis and the management of chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying these effects and their long-term clinical relevance remain incompletely understood. In this narrative review, we systematically synthesize current clinical and preclinical evidence on the role of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in regulating the GBA. Particular attention is given to their impact on neurocognitive outcomes and systemic health, highlighting both the therapeutic potential and the existing gaps that warrant further investigation.
AB - The gut-brain axis (GBA) represents a complex bidirectional communication system connecting the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system through neural, endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary interventions, particularly probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, can influence the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, thereby modulating GBA function. Such modulation has been linked to potential benefits for cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and resilience against neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, these interventions may contribute to immune homeostasis and the management of chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying these effects and their long-term clinical relevance remain incompletely understood. In this narrative review, we systematically synthesize current clinical and preclinical evidence on the role of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in regulating the GBA. Particular attention is given to their impact on neurocognitive outcomes and systemic health, highlighting both the therapeutic potential and the existing gaps that warrant further investigation.
KW - gut-brain axis
KW - health
KW - prebiotic
KW - probiotic
KW - synbiotic
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105020703707&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1651965
DO - 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1651965
M3 - Review article
C2 - 41178959
VL - 16
SP - 1651965
JO - Frontiers in Microbiology
JF - Frontiers in Microbiology
SN - 1664-302X
M1 - 1651965
ER -