Most gut-brain studies are done in mice, which have different microbes than people.

The products of these microbes, however, are similar from mice to humans.

Tracking these metabolites may lead to new therapies for MDD.

“That’s the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious—and it compounds daily—making it impossible to ever see the end. That fog is like a cage without a key.” –Elizabeth Wurtzel

“That’s the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious—and it compounds daily—making it impossible to ever see the end. That fog is like a cage without a key.” –Elizabeth Wurtzel

Depression is the number one cause of disability in the world, according to the World Health Organization. There are many reasons people get depressed, from bereavement and stress to genetics. But if the depression lingers and is accompanied by other markers like insomnia, fatigue, brain fog, or weight change, it can be classified as major depressive disorder (MDD).

But there is another contributing factor: gut microbes.

The gut-brain axis has been boggling minds for more than a decade now, and gut microbes that can improve mood are called psychobiotics. So where are the treatments for depression? Why don’t we have a pill yet?

The research is clear: As microbes ferment in our gut, they produce thousands of substances called metabolites. Among them are neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, which are favorite targets for antidepressants.

We know........

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