Influence of functional foods on mental health: Study of the gut-brain axis

Abstract

Introduction: The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem of bacteria that performs crucial functions such as protection against pathogens, nutrient absorption, and immune regulation. The bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain, mediated by the gut-brain axis, is influenced by the microbiota. Bioactive compounds and psychobiotics can produce neuromodulators such as aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter of the nervous system that plays an important role in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders and depression. Objective: identify the influence of functional foods on mental health and study the gut-brain axis. Materials and methods: The inclusion criteria were: publications published in Portuguese and English from 2019 onwards, scientific articles published in magazines, newspapers, and periodicals, using the Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scielo databases, as well as official websites such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), and the Virtual Health Library (VHL). The exclusion: published before 2019, materials such as course completion papers (TCC), dissertations, and theses. Results and discussion: Studies indicate that probiotics, prebiotics, polyphenols, omega-3, curcumin, and resveratrol help regulate mood and inflammation through modulation of the gut microbiota. Despite promising results, there is still a need for larger clinical trials to confirm their efficacy. Conclusion:  It is concluded that bioactive compounds such as probiotics, prebiotics, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and curcumin have been shown to have positive effects in reducing inflammatory processes, regulating mood, and improving cognitive function, contributing to improved mental health.