Could a probiotic boost antidepressants? new trial tests Gut-Brain mood link
NCT ID NCT07691749
First seen Jul 09, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests whether adding a specific blend of two probiotics (Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum) to standard antidepressant medication helps reduce depression symptoms more than antidepressants alone. Adults aged 18 to 60 with major depressive disorder who are already on a stable dose of an SSRI antidepressant will take either the probiotic or a placebo capsule daily for six weeks. Researchers will measure changes in depression scores and monitor safety.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum (psychobiotic probiotic blend)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, safe add-on treatment that boosts the effectiveness of standard antidepressants for major depression.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial. The probiotic may not outperform placebo, and results may not apply to all people with depression.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Allama Iqbal Medical College, Jinnah Hospital Lahore
RECRUITINGLahore, Punjab Province, 54550, Pakistan
Contact
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