Research Papers

A prospective investigation into the association between the gut microbiome composition and cognitive performance among healthy young adults

• Published: April 19, 2022

• Source: Gut Pathogens

• Focus: Exploring the association between gut microbiome composition and cognitive performance in healthy young adults.

• Study Design: Prospective cohort study involving healthy young adults, assessing their gut microbiome composition and cognitive performance over time.

• Findings and Key Insights: The study found correlations between the relative abundance of certain gut bacteria families and aspects of cognitive performance, including fluid intelligence.

 

Examining the Influence of the Human Gut Microbiota on Cognition and Stress: A Systematic Review of the Literature

• Published: October 2022

• Source: Nutrients

• Focus: Investigating the relationship between gut microbiota, cognition, and stress, including the impact of microbiota modulation on brain function and emotional well-being.

• Study Design: Systematic review of 25 studies published between October 2018 and August 2021, encompassing both cross-sectional and intervention studies.

• Findings and Key Insights: The review suggests that gut microbiota is linked to brain connectivity and cognitive performance. Modulating gut microbiota could be a promising strategy for enhancing cognition and emotional well-being in both stressed and non-stressed situations.

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Systematic review of gut microbiota and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Published: February 2021

• Source: Annals of General Psychiatry

• Focus: Reviewing the association between gut microbiota composition and ADHD, including potential mechanisms linking the microbiome to ADHD symptoms.

• Study Design: Systematic review of existing literature on gut microbiota and ADHD.

• Findings and Key Insights: The review identifies a unique composition of gut bacteria linked to ADHD behaviors. It also notes an increased incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation and flatulence, in children with ADHD compared to controls. The findings suggest that an altered microbiome, gastrointestinal symptoms, and immune dysregulation may be associated with ADHD phenotypes.

   

​Gut microbiome and psychiatric disorders

• Published: 2023

• Source: BMC Psychiatry

• Focus: Exploring the role of the gut microbiome in major psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

• Study Design: Review article summarising current research on the gut-brain axis and its implications for psychiatric conditions.

• Findings and Key Insights: The article discusses how variations in the gut microbiome can influence brain function and behavior, potentially contributing to psychiatric disorders. It highlights the need for further research to understand the mechanisms underlying these associations.

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A Gut Feeling: A Hypothesis of the Role of the Microbiome in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders

• Published: July 2018

• Source: Journal of Attention Disorders

• Focus: Proposing a hypothesis that the gut microbiome may be implicated in ADHD.

• Study Design: Hypothesis paper discussing evolving areas of research supporting the potential role of the microbiome in ADHD.

• Findings and Key Insights: The authors describe several areas of research supporting their hypothesis, including unique gut bacteria compositions linked to ADHD behaviours, increased gastrointestinal symptoms in children with ADHD, and potential immune dysregulation associated with an altered microbiome. They suggest that these factors may be associated with ADHD phenotypes, although more studies are needed to elucidate exact mechanisms and causality.

 

The Gut Microbiota in Anxiety and Depression: A Systematic Review

• Published: 2020

• Source: PubMed

• Focus: To systematically review existing literature on the association between gut microbiota composition and anxiety and depressive disorders in humans.

• Study Design: A systematic review of 26 studies, including case-control comparisons and assessments of symptom severity related to anxiety and depression.

• Findings: The review found inconsistent results regarding overall microbial diversity (alpha and beta diversity). However, specific bacterial taxa were consistently associated with these mental health conditions. Notably, there was a higher abundance of proinflammatory species such as Enterobacteriaceae and Desulfovibrio, and a lower presence of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria like Faecalibacterium in individuals with anxiety and depression.

• Key Insights: The findings suggest that an imbalance in certain gut bacteria may contribute to the pathophysiology of anxiety and depression, potentially through mechanisms involving peripheral inflammation affecting brain function. The study emphasises the need for future research to account for confounding factors like diet and medication use and to explore the functional roles of these microorganisms.

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Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: A Case Report

• Published: March 2025

• Source: The Australian

• Focus: To report on a case where faecal microbiota transplantation was used as a treatment for severe bipolar disorder.

• Study Design: A single case report detailing the treatment of a patient with severe bipolar disorder using faecal microbiota transplantation performed at home.

• Findings: The patient experienced a dramatic reduction in symptoms and has been in remission since 2017 following the FMT procedure.

• Key Insights: This case highlights the potential of gut microbiome interventions in treating mood disorders. However, it also underscores the need for clinical trials to explore the safety and efficacy of such treatments before they can be recommended for broader use.

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