Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits and abnormal contractions of gastrointestinal (GI) muscles. IBS affects about 10 to 20% of the population. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in the intestinal flora. Now research reports that daily supplementation of probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299 v may reduce and treat IBS symptoms.
The double-blind, placebo-controlled study, presented at the Digestive Disease Week Conference in New Orleans, investigated the effect of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on chronic IBS symptoms. Researchers at Rouen University Hospital in France, administered either L. plantarum 299v capsule or placebo daily to 200 participants (ages 19 to 70 years) with chronic IBS, for four weeks. The participants symptoms were assessed by a 4-point rated scale.
The researchers found that the probiotic group had significantly reduced symptoms of IBS, compared with the placebo group. No side effects were reported in both groups.
“A 4 weeks treatment with Lactobacillus plantarum 299v has shown to be very effective for the relief of symptoms, particularly abdominal pain and bloating in IBS patients fulfilling the Rome III criteria,” the study authors conclude.
Promote GI Health with Ectopial
Progressive Health’s Ectopial is a GI-health promoting supplement containing the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus, psyllium seed husk, oat bran fiber, slippery elm (inner bark), althea officinalis (marshmallow) and vitamin C. Ectopial’s natural nutrients promote GI function and relieve and prevent constipation symptoms.
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