Recent research suggests that a combination of two affordable probiotics could significantly alleviate symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common digestive disorder. The study, conducted in India, indicates that these probiotics may provide relief from abdominal pain, bloating, and gas for many individuals.
Probiotics, which are live microorganisms beneficial for gut health, have gained popularity in recent years. They are naturally found in fermented foods like yogurt and kefir, but consumers are increasingly turning to supplements, often costing up to $60 per month. The study examined the effects of a probiotic blend comprising Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-5) and Bifidobacterium animalis (BB-12) on adults diagnosed with IBS, a condition that affects approximately one in six Americans.
Research Findings on Probiotic Efficacy
The research involved 200 adults aged between 18 and 65 diagnosed with non-constipated IBS. Participants were divided into two groups: one received a placebo while the other was administered the probiotic blend. The results were notable; after just one month, nearly 75 percent more individuals in the probiotic group reported improvements in their symptoms compared to those taking the placebo. By the end of the three-month study period, the difference in positive responses grew to an additional 11 percent.
Participants taking the probiotics also exhibited a higher presence of nine groups of beneficial bacteria in their gut microbiome, contrasting with the placebo group, which showed an increase in harmful bacteria. The researchers noted that these findings represent the first evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of LA-5 and BB-12 for treating IBS symptoms in adults.
Understanding the Impact of IBS and Probiotics
The study’s findings are timely, as IBS has seen a 28 percent increase in prevalence over the past decade in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Factors contributing to this rise include heightened awareness and emerging evidence suggesting that COVID-19 may adversely affect gut health. Currently, it is estimated that one in 20 Americans regularly use probiotic supplements.
Conducted over a period of 84 days, participants took their assigned pills twice daily. They maintained daily symptom diaries and attended regular follow-ups to discuss their experiences. At the 28-day mark, 19 percent of those on probiotics reported symptom relief, compared to just 9 percent of the placebo group. By day 56, this increased to 37 percent for the probiotic group versus 24 percent for the placebo.
The researchers published their findings in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, emphasizing that a higher proportion of subjects benefitted from the probiotic treatment compared to the placebo administration. Despite these promising results, the study acknowledged limitations, such as its short duration and reliance on self-reported symptom assessments.
In conclusion, the study provides significant evidence that a simple, low-cost probiotic blend could be an effective solution for individuals suffering from IBS. As more research emerges, these findings may lead to increased accessibility and use of probiotics in managing digestive health.
