New Study Asks, Can Probiotics Help Reduce Depression in Teens?

Summary: Teen depression is on the rise, with 1 in 5 teenagers facing it today. But what if the secret to a better mood is in the stomach? UCSF researcher Cherry Leung is studying the "gut-brain axis"—the two-way communication highway between our digestive system and our brain.

Good bacteria in the gut can lower inflammation and help create serotonin, the brain chemical responsible for happiness and well-being. Because teen brains and bodies are still developing, they might respond especially well to gut-healing treatments. UCSF is currently testing if adding probiotics (good bacteria) to standard antidepressants can boost teens' moods and reduce side effects. While probiotics aren't a replacement for medication yet, they might be the perfect sidekick for mental health!

For more details, see ucsf at ucsf.edu/news/2026/04/431801/new-study-asks-can-probiotics-help-reduce-depression-teens (opens in new tab)