Introduction: Chronic stress–induced anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments are among the most common public health issues and are closely associated with alterations in gut microbiota. As a key component of the gut–brain axis, the microbiota can influence behavior and cognitive function through neural, immune, and metabolic pathways. Growing evidence highlights the importance of dietary strategies in supporting brain health across the lifespan. This systematic review aimed to evaluate recent evidence on the effects of dietary patterns and bioactive compounds on gut microbiota and neurobehavioral outcomes related to anxiety, depression, memory, and learning.
Methods: A structured search of PubMed and ScienceDirect was conducted for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Eligible studies were English-language experimental animal studies assessing the effects of dietary interventions or specific nutrients on gut microbiota and behavioral–cognitive outcomes. Of 121 initial records, 14 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria and were included in the final review.
Results: The review indicated that certain dietary bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, exhibited notable anti-stress and neuroprotective effects. The Mediterranean dietary pattern and its constituents were associated with modulation of gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity, alongside improved cognitive performance. Additionally, changes in amino acid intake, particularly methionine and tryptophan, were reported to influence cognitive function and anxiety-like behaviors through metabolic and neural pathways.
Conclusion: Dietary interventions can modulate gut microbiota and influence anxiety- and cognition-related behaviors. These findings underscore the potential of nutrition-based strategies for brain health, although confirmation in human studies remains essential.
Keywords: Anxiety, Neurobehavioral, Gut microbiota, Diet, Animal studies