The gut microbiome and diet in psychiatry: Focus on depression

Abstract

Purpose of review: With depressive disorders the leading source of disability globally, the identification of new targets for prevention and management is imperative. A rapidly emerging field of research suggests that the microbiome-gut-brain axis is of substantial relevance to mood and behaviour. Similarly, unhealthy diet has recently emerged as a significant correlate of and risk factor for depression. This review provides evidence for the gut microbiota as a key factor mediating the link between diet and depressive illness.Recent findings: The development of new technologies is affording a better understanding of how diet influences gut microbiota composition and activity and how this may..