The Role of Nutrition and the Gut-Brain Axis in Psychiatry: A Review of the Literature

Sabrina Mörkl; Jolana Wagner-Skacel; Theresa Lahousen; Sonja Lackner; Sandra Johanna Holasek; Susanne Astrid Bengesser; Annamaria Painold; Anna Katharina Holl; Eva Reininghaus

doi:10.1159/000492834

The Role of Nutrition and the Gut-Brain Axis in Psychiatry: A Review of the Literature

Neuropsychobiology. 2018 Sep 17:1-9. doi: 10.1159/000492834. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Sabrina Mörkl¹, Jolana Wagner-Skacel¹, Theresa Lahousen¹, Sonja Lackner², Sandra Johanna Holasek², Susanne Astrid Bengesser¹, Annamaria Painold¹, Anna Katharina Holl¹, Eva Reininghaus¹

Affiliations

¹ Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
² Unit of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center (for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.

PMID: 30223263
DOI: 10.1159/000492834

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders experience high levels of illness burden and a significantly reduced quality of life. Despite targeted psychopharmacological strategies and complementary psychotherapeutic procedures only moderate effects are obtained, and the risk of relapse is high in many patients. Worldwide, psychiatric diseases such as depression are continuously increasing, challenging the personal life of the affected as well as their families, but also whole societies by increasing disability, early retirement and hospitalization. According to current scientific knowledge psychiatric disorders are caused by a multifactorial pathogenesis, including genetics, inflammation and neurotransmitter imbalance; furthermore, also lifestyle-associated factors gain rising importance. In line with this, there is growing evidence that the gut microbiota and nutrition have an impact on the onset and course of psychiatric disorders.

Aim: This narrative review highlights the important role of nutrition in psychiatric care and underlines the significance of nutritional advice in the multifactorial, biopsychosocial treatment of patients. It focuses on current dietary interventions such as the Mediterranean diet, dietary supplements and modifications of the gut microbiota with pre-, pro- and postbiotics.

Results: Recent studies support the connection between the quality of diet, gut microbiota and mental health through regulation of metabolic functions, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties and the support of neurogenesis. Dietary coaching to improve mental health seems to be an additional, cost-effective, practical, nonpharmacological intervention for individuals with psychiatric disorders.

Conclusion: The use of nutritional interventions in psychiatry equips therapists with a promising tool for both the prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders. Besides pharmacological therapy, psychotherapy and physical activity, nutritional interventions are an important pillar in the multifactorial, biopsychosocial treatment of psychiatric disease and could be used as a potential therapeutic target.

Keywords: Depression; Diet; Gut microbiome; Gut-brain axis; Mediterranean diet; Nutrients; Nutrition; Psychiatry.

Publication types

Review