Latest podcast: The gut–mind frontier: Faecal microbiota transplantation and mental health

In this episode, Dr Michelle Woolhouse speaks with psychiatrist and gut-brain axis researcher Dr Jessica Green about the emerging science of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in mental health. 

Dr Green discusses her pilot randomised controlled feasibility study investigating FMT in people with major depressive disorder, alongside broader evidence linking the gut microbiome, immune signalling, and brain function. The conversation explores what FMT actually involves, donor screening, delivery methods, safety considerations, and why DIY approaches carry serious risk. 

Importantly, this episode goes beyond headline stories to highlight what the data can and cannot yet tell us. While early findings suggest FMT is feasible, safe, and of strong interest to participants, Dr Green emphasises the need for funding of fully powered RCTs before FMT can be recommended for depression or other mental health conditions.