O DESEQUILÍBRIO DA MICROBIOTA INTESTINAL COMO FATOR DE RISCO PARA A DEPRESSÃO

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between intestinal microbiota imbalance and the development of depressive symptoms. This is a systematic review conducted in scientific databases (PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar), considering articles published in the last ten years, including some classics from before that period, to strengthen the theoretical foundation that represent milestones in the understanding of the gut-brain axis. The selected studies demonstrated that intestinal dysbiosis is associated with a reduction in microbial diversity, compromising neurotransmitter production, immune modulation, and the integrity of the intestinal barrier, factors directly related to the pathophysiology of depression. It was observed that low-fiber diets, consumption of ultra-processed foods, indiscriminate antibiotic use, chronic stress, and a sedentary lifestyle are the main factors contributing to this imbalance. Conversely, interventions such as the use of probiotics, prebiotics, anti-inflammatory diets, and, in specific cases, fecal microbiota transplantation, have shown promising results in mitigating depressive symptoms. It is concluded that maintaining intestinal health represents an important complementary strategy in the prevention and treatment of depression.