Effect of Probiotic Supplements on Improving Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, and Anorexia in Patients Living With HIV: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective Individuals living with HIV are at increased risk for psychiatric disorders. In this pilot randomized clinical trial, the effects of probiotics on improving psychiatric symptoms among patients living with HIV was examined. Methods A total of 50 patients living with HIV were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group received a probiotic capsule. In contrast, the other received a placebo for 12 weeks, determined by a simple randomization method. Patients were evaluated at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results Compared to the control group, HIV patients in the intervention group receiving probiotics exhibited a significantly greater reduction in anxiety symptoms and greater improvement in appetite compared to those in the placebo group (time*group interaction: F (3, 144) = 6.63, P < 0.001 for anxiety symptoms; F (3, 144) = 18.74, P < 0.001 for appetite). Conclusions Probiotics may be beneficial in alleviating anxiety symptoms and anorexia in persons living with HIV. Future studies in multicenter settings with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods are needed to replicate these results.