The study highlighted probiotic supplements—live microorganisms used to support the gut microbiome (the natural system of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract). These microorganisms are found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, pickles, and kefir, but their supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years.
In this regard, researchers in India conducted a study to test the effectiveness of probiotics in adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic digestive disorder whose main symptoms include diarrhea or constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain.
The study included 200 participants aged between 18 and 65 years, who were divided into two groups; the first group took a placebo, while the second group received a mixture of two types of probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-5) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (BB-12) - which are widely used in fermented dairy products and infant formula.
Some participants underwent stool tests before and after the trial, along with daily symptom recording and periodic follow-ups.
The study, published in the journal Gastroenterology and Hepatology, showed that the most common symptoms among participants were bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The average age of the participants was 39, and approximately two-thirds were men. Two-thirds of the participants were diagnosed with diarrhea-like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), while the remainder suffered from mixed IBS-M.
The results showed that after just one month of the trial, approximately 75% of participants taking probiotic supplements experienced improved IBS symptoms compared to the placebo group. After three months, an additional 11% showed significant improvement with probiotic use.
The researchers also observed an increase in the amounts of nine groups of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome of probiotic users, compared to higher levels of harmful bacteria in the placebo group, which is likely the reason for the improvement in symptoms.
These results represent the first scientific evidence of the efficacy and safety of the LA-5 and BB-12 combination in the treatment of non-constipated irritable bowel syndrome in adults.
The researchers concluded the study by noting some limitations, most notably the short follow-up period and the reliance on self-reported symptoms, stressing the need for longer studies to confirm the results.
