However, some probiotics have shown promise in managing IBS.
Probioticsare live microorganisms found in some foods and supplements.
Probiotics may have effects on both gut health and overall health.
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As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
Whenchoosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such asU.S.
Pharmacopeia (USP),ConsumerLab.com, orNSF.
In particular,this strainmay act on the mechanism that causes abdominal pain.
This strain of bacteria may work to reduce compounds that cause inflammation in the body.
However, these benefits have been seen in studies on rats, not humans.
However, those who took this strain of probiotic showed more improvement.
In trials,S.
boulardiihas also been shown to improve the quality of life in people with IBS.
Studies have reported good results in usingS.
Bifidobacterium lactisBB-12 treatment was further separated into two doses: 1 billion and 10 billion colony-forming units a day.
There was not a significant difference in improving bowel movements between the two groups.
The people who took the probiotic for eight weeks had improvements in abdominal pain and overall IBS symptoms.
They also had a better quality of life than before receiving the probiotic.
Those receiving the placebo also did better but to a lesser degree than those receiving the probiotic.
Another, older study showed that this strain helped alleviate IBS symptoms overall.
Bifidobacterium infantis35624:This probiotic has been studied in a few trials in people with IBS.
This strain may also help reduce inflammation in the gut after an infection or antibiotic treatment.
People who took this probiotic had a 50% improvement in abdominal pain.
The authors of the study stress that there were no severe adverse effects.
Lactobacillus plantarumLp299v: A few studies used this probiotic strain.
One trial that included 52 people with IBS tested this strain for four weeks.
The people in this trial with IBS had reduced abdominal pain and intestinal gas.
In contrast, 8% in the placebo group said the same.
Do Probiotics Really Help?
Thecause of IBSis not well understood.
The problem is that it’s not yet knownwhich probiotics will be helpfuland which will waste money and time.
Not all people find that probiotics help their symptoms.
Results are individualized and affected by numerous factors.
Can Probiotics Make Symptoms Worse?
Some people may have digestive symptoms after starting probiotics.
Usually, these are minor, and they don’t last long.
They should resolve within a few days.
If they do not, it may be worth considering a lower dosage.
For the most part, probiotics are considered safe for use in healthy adults.
The FDA considers probiotic productssupplements.
This means they are not reviewed to determine if they are safe or effective.
Preterm infants and people who are severely ill orimmunocompromisedmay be at greater risk for adverse events from a probiotic.
It’s recommended that people at risk only receive probiotics when they are clearly beneficial.
How to Choose the Right Probiotic for You
Choosing a probiotic can be challenging.
Many strains are available, and the evidence for their use can be lacking or even contradictory.
Another part of making a selection is ensuring that the brand is reputable and has been independently tested.
To continue taking propbiotics, find the strain you want in the form you find easiest to take.
Check the expiration date that’s printed on package labels.
Probiotics, for the most part, are living organisms.
Buy only the amount you will take before the expiration date.
Healthcare providers and pharmacists can help recommend a product.
Or, taking two or more strains separately might be an option.
Multiple strains are an option for people with more than one health condition.
For IBS, evidence points to combination products that containLactobacillus plantarum299v andBifidobacterium infantis35624 for overall symptom management.
OtherBacillusstrains:Three trials (including 177 people) compared probiotic products containing strains ofBacillus.
No solid evidence was found that the strains ofBacillustested helped with symptoms of IBS.
Combinations:Combination products contain two or more types of bacteria.
Some of the products studied included LacClean Gold S, Duolac 7s, and VSL#3.
Probiotic-Rich Foods to Try
Some fermented foodscontain probioticsbecause of the way they are produced.
Other foods have probiotics added to them.
Check the food labels for more specific information about each food and its probiotic content.
People with IBS will want to considerfermented foodscarefully before adding them to an eating plan.
For that reason, people with IBS will want to work with a dietitian to begin this diet.
It’s important to work with a pediatrician or pediatric gastroenterologist when considering probiotics for infants and children.
Probiotics may not be helpful and will waste time and money.
Summary
Study into the use of probiotics for IBS is still in the early stages.
It’s not known exactly which strains of bacteria will help any particular person.
Some evidence suggests that specific probiotics may be helpful for some people with IBS.
Working with a healthcare provider can help narrow the overwhelming amount of information about which probiotic to choose.
Strain, delivery method, viability, and effectiveness are all important factors to consider when choosing a probiotic.
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