Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in Pregnancy on Postpartum Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: A Randomised Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study evaluated the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 on postpartum symptoms of depression and anxiety. It aimed to determine whether probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and the postpartum period could reduce the severity of these symptoms in new mothers.
Who was studied?
The study included 423 pregnant women who were recruited between 14–16 weeks of gestation in Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand. Participants were randomized to either the Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 group or a placebo group. These women were assessed for symptoms of depression and anxiety postpartum, using tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory.
What were the most important findings?
The study found that mothers who received Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 had significantly lower depression and anxiety scores during the postpartum period compared to those who received a placebo. The depression scores in the treatment group were 7.7 (SD = 5.4) compared to 9.0 (SD = 6.0) in the placebo group, with a statistically significant effect size of -1.2 (p = 0.037). Anxiety scores in the probiotic group were also lower (mean = 12.0) compared to the placebo group (mean = 13.0), with an effect size of -1.0 (p = 0.014). Importantly, the study also revealed that the probiotic group had significantly fewer women with clinically relevant levels of anxiety, as indicated by scores above the cut-off point.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The findings of this study suggest that Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 could be a beneficial intervention for managing postpartum depression and anxiety. Given that postpartum mental health disorders often go undiagnosed or untreated, particularly in women reluctant to use pharmaceutical medications during breastfeeding, this probiotic offers a promising alternative. The results provide strong support for the use of probiotics in maternal mental health care, as it is safe, well-tolerated, and non-invasive. However, further research is needed to replicate these findings and explore the mechanisms behind the probiotic’s effect, including its impact on the gut-brain axis.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.