Indication: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Source: Gastroenterology, March 2005;128(3):541-551.

Research: Seventy-seven people with IBS were asked to consume a malted drink every morning. The drink contained Lactabacillus salivarius, Bifidobacteria infantis or no bacteria at all. The subjects consumed these beverages or placebo over a period of eight weeks. The cardinal symptoms of IBS were recorded on a daily basis and assessed each week.

Results: For all symptoms, with the exception of bowel movement frequency and consistency, those randomized to B. infantis experienced a signficant reduction in symptom scores. At baseline, subjects with IBS demonstrated an abnormal IL-10/IL-12 ratio, indicative of a pro-inflammatory, Th-1 state. This ratios was normalized by B. infantis feeding alone. In contrast, treatment with the other probiotic bacteria appeared to have no more effect on the IBS sydmptoms than placebo.