To investigate the effects of a high-fiber diet and probiotic supplementation on depression symptoms in adult individuals.
Depression is prevalent mental health disorder that significantly impacts individuals' quality of life. Despite the availability of effective treatments such as pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, there are still significant limitations to these approaches. Medications can have unwanted side effects and may not be effective for all patients, while psychotherapy can be time-consuming and expensive. Furthermore, many individuals may not have access to these treatments due to financial, geographical, or cultural barriers. A more recent study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition in 2020 investigated the effects of a probiotic supplement on gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life in children with functional abdominal pain. The study found that the probiotic supplement improved gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life in the children. Overall, while there is limited research on probiotics in Egypt, the available studies suggest that probiotics may have potential health benefits for various populations. However, further research is needed to better understand the optimal types, doses and duration of probiotic supplementation for specific health outcomes in Egyptian populations.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
76
A Dietary intervention group receiving health education message about healthy diet and probiotics supplements ( spores of poly antibiotic resistant "Lactobacilli 5 billion" in form of capsules registrated by the Egyption drug auyjority "EDA" and sold in Egyption markets under brand name "Lactèol Forte ®" capsules by Rameda® company. The probiotic supplement is recommended to be given twice daily for 12 wks duration.
A Control group receiving health education about healthy diet. At the end of the 12 wk. period, the same measurements are repeated
Cairo University
Cairo, Egypt
Depression score using arabic version of PHQ9
Depression score using arabic version of PHQ9 was recorded .The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a tool used to assess the severity of depression. It consists of nine questions, each related to symptoms experienced over the past two weeks. Each question is scored from 0 to 3, with the total score ranging from 0 to 27.
Time frame: For 12 weeks after dietary supplement
The safety of the dietary
The safety of the dietary intervention and probiotics was recorded. Participants were asked to report any adverse events or intolerances related to the dietary changes or probiotic
Time frame: For 12 weeks after dietary supplement
Tolerability of the dietary intervention
Tolerability of the dietary intervention was recorded. Participants were asked to report any adverse events or intolerances related to the dietary changes or probiotic
Time frame: For 12 weeks after dietary supplement
Tolerability of probiotics
Tolerability of probiotics was recorded
Time frame: For 12 weeks after dietary supplement
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