# Probiotics and Prebiotics Affecting Mental and Gut Health

## TL;DR

This study explores how probiotic and prebiotic food consumption affects gut and mental health in young adults.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific correlations between probiotic food intake and improved gut and mental health indicators.

## Key findings

- Daily yogurt consumption was linked to significantly lower gastrointestinal symptom scores.
- Ayran consumption was associated with better stool consistency and reduced constipation and diarrhea.
- Probiotic food intake significantly affected depression, anxiety, and stress levels.

## Abstract

The effects of the gut microbiota on mental and intestinal health are an area of great interest. This study aimed to reveal the relationship between the intake of probiotic and prebiotic foods and mental and gut health. Data were obtained using an online survey from young adults (n = 538) enrolled at Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University who agreed to participate in this study in the 2022–2023 academic year. This study included 538 participants, mostly (85.5%) females. Participants who never consumed yogurt had 7.614 times higher Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale scores than those who consumed yogurt daily (p < 0.01). Similarly, the frequency of ayran consumption had a statistically significant effect on Bristol Stool Scale scores (p < 0.05). The ratio of normal defecation to constipation was 68.7% lower in participants who consumed ayran daily, whereas the ratio of diarrhea to constipation was 76.4% lower in participants who never consumed ayran. However, the frequency of prebiotic consumption did not have a significant effect on Bristol Stool Scale scores (p > 0.05). The consumption of probiotic and prebiotic foods exerted a significant effect on GSRS total scores and subfactors of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-42, namely depression, anxiety, and stress.