Several studies presented at the American Collage of Gastroenterology’s annual meeting emphasized the effectiveness and safety of probiotics in treating gastrointestinal problems related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
IBS is a disorder of the gastrointestinal system that causes abdominal pain and altered bowel habits (diarrhea and/or constipation).
A review of 19 randomized controlled trials involving over 1600 patients found that probiotics were helpful in controlling and improving bowel movements in those suffering from diarrhea and constipation due to IBS. “Probiotics are effective in IBS, but we do not have enough information to be sure whether there is one probiotic that is particularly effective or whether combinations of probiotics are required,” said lead researcher Dr. Paul Moayyedi.
Another review studied IBS patients who suffered from diarrhea. They were administered a multi-strain probiotic for 28 days. The number of episodes of diarrhea decreased “significantly” in the patients taking probiotics when compared to the placebo group.
An additional study found that probiotics were significantly more effective than placebo in reducing IBS-related symptoms in children and teenagers.
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