Probiotics help irritable bowel

Probiotic products, which contain living microbes that aid digestion, may help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, according to the authors of a study in the journal BMC Gastroenterology.

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common disorder affecting up to 30 percent of the population by some estimates. Symptoms may include chronic abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

Treatment duration ranged from 4 weeks in six studies to 6 weeks in two studies, 8 weeks in three studies, and 6 months in two studies, plus one study of 20 weeks.

Combined data from the studies suggested a modest improvement in overall symptoms after a few weeks of treatment, the authors report. As many as half of the trials reported significant improvements in abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating, and quality of life.

Only a few trials reported side effects connected to treatment, but there were few differences between probiotics and placebo groups in this area.

Steve - nice to see the research for reaffirmation.