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Clinical trial: a multistrain probiotic preparation significantly reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a double-blind placebo-controlled study

  1. E. A. WILLIAMS1,
  2. J. STIMPSON1,
  3. D. WANG2,
  4. S. PLUMMER3,
  5. I. GARAIOVA3,
  6. M. E. BARKER1,
  7. B. M. CORFE1

Article first published online: 9 SEP 2008

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2008.03848.x

Issue

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Volume 29, Issue 1, pages 97–103, January 2009

Additional Information

How to Cite

WILLIAMS, E. A., STIMPSON, J., WANG, D., PLUMMER, S., GARAIOVA, I., BARKER, M. E. and CORFE, B. M. (2009), Clinical trial: a multistrain probiotic preparation significantly reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 29: 97–103. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2008.03848.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Human Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK

  2. 2

    Medical Statistics Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK

  3. 3

    Obsidian Research Ltd, Baglan, Port Talbot, UK

*Dr E. A. Williams, Human Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK. E-mail: e.a.williams@sheffield.ac.uk

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 16 DEC 2008
  2. Article first published online: 9 SEP 2008
  3. Publication data Submitted 29 May 2008 First decision 23 June 2008 Resubmitted 28 August 2008 Resubmitted 1 September 2008 Accepted 5 September 2008 Epub Accepted Article 9 September 2008

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Summary

Background  The efficacy of probiotics in alleviating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) appears to be both strain- and dose-related.

Aim  To investigate the effect of LAB4, a multistrain probiotic preparation on symptoms of IBS. This probiotic preparation has not previously been assessed in IBS.

Methods  Fifty-two participants with IBS, as defined by the Rome II criteria, participated in this double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomized to receive either a probiotic preparation comprising two strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus CUL60 (NCIMB 30157) and CUL21 (NCIMB 30156), Bifidobacterium lactis CUL34 (NCIMB 30172) and Bifidobacterium bifidum CUL20 (NCIMB 30153) at a total of 2.5 × 1010 cfu/capsule or a placebo for 8 weeks. Participants reported their IBS symptoms using a questionnaire fortnightly during the intervention and at 2 weeks post-intervention.

Results  A significantly greater improvement in the Symptom Severity Score of IBS and in scores for quality of life, days with pain and satisfaction with bowel habit was observed over the 8-week intervention period in the volunteers receiving the probiotic preparation than in the placebo group.

Conclusion  LAB4 multistrain probiotic supplement may benefit subjects with IBS.

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