Dietary Habits and Their Influence on the Microbiome and Mental Health in Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescence represents a critical developmental stage where diet, gut microorganisms, and mental health are strongly interconnected. The current literature evidences the bidirectional role between dietary habits and psychological well-being, which is mediated by the gut-brain axis. The purpose of this review is to highlight the importance of dietary habits in adolescence period and the impact of different food choices on microbiota and secondary on mental health. Gut microbiota plays a vital role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The disruption in the composition of microbiota is called dysbiosis, which has been associated with a systemic inflammation state and chronic stress. They contribute to the onset of psychiatric disorders including MDD, anxiety, ADHD, and autism. Diets with a high quantity of sugar and low fiber contribute to alteration of microbiota and poor mental health. Additionally, early-life stress, antibiotic usage, and chronic inflammation may alter bacterial communities, with long-term implications for adolescents mental health. Dietary interventions, including the intake of prebiotics, probiotics, SCFAs, and micronutrients could restore microbial balance and improve psychiatric symptoms. This literature review highlights the critical role of diet and gut microbiota for adolescent mental health and emphasizes the need for integrative strategies to promote psychological resilience through microbiome regulation.

Keywords: adolescents; diet; dysbiosis; gut–brain axis; mental disorder; microbiome.

Figure 1

The influence of gut toxins, inflammation, and neurotransmitters on the brain development in adolescence [75].

Figure 2

The role of food, acute infections, and antibiotic therapy as modulators on intestinal microbiota [85,86].