Abstract
The gut–brain axis may contribute to the pathophysiology of a variety of neuropsychiatric
diseases and chronic illnesses of adulthood. A literature search was completed using
PubMed and the following keywords: “gut microbiota,” “breast milk,” “schizophrenia,”
“irritable bowel syndrome,” “obesity,” “anorexia and bulimia nervosa,” and “depression.”
The search was limited to articles available in English and published in the past
20 years. The human microbiota is essential to normal structure and function. The
relationship of microbiota and the central nervous system is called the gut–brain
axis, which may be responsible for many pathologic conditions. Research is needed
to confirm this association and unveil the pathogenesis of this phenomenon.
Keywords
gut–brain axis - microbiota - neonate - schizophrenia - autism
