Serotonin and the Gut: Is There a Connection?

Bacteria in our intestines can directly and indirectly interfere with the production of neurotransmitters. Serotonin is probably the most studied neurotransmitter in the context of depression, with most drugs used to treat this condition having serotonergic activity. Approximately 90% of the body's serotonin levels are produced in the gastrointestinal tract by specialized cells, a process modulated by the gut flora.

Regarding serotonin, in states of dysbiosis (imbalances in gut flora), there tends to be a deviation of its precursor – the amino acid tryptophan – towards the kynurenine pathway, resulting in reduced serotonergic activity.

Conversely, there are species of lactobacilli (members of the symbiotic gut flora) that can produce GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), an essential neurotransmitter in anxiety control. We can currently modulate our microbiota to compensate for potential neurotransmitter imbalances.

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