The probiotic Bifidobacterium longum improved depression and quality of life, but not anxiety, among individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.

“This study shows that consumption of a specific probiotic can improve both gut symptoms and psychological issues in [irritable bowel syndrome],” Premysl Bercik, MD, of McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, said in a press release. “This opens new avenues not only for the treatment of patients with functional bowel disorders but also for patients with primary psychiatric diseases.”