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This two-strain probiotic blend was studied in adults with non-constipated forms of IBS or functional bloating. (1) The results showed that at 4 weeks, participants taking the probiotic experienced significantly less bloating severity compared to those receiving a placebo (4.10±3 vs. 6.17±3, p=0.009). This trend continued at 8 weeks, though the difference was not statistically significant (4.26±3 vs. 5.84±3, p=0.06). When comparing the change in bloating severity from before to after the intervention, the probiotic group saw a significant reduction in symptoms at both 4 weeks (−1.58 vs. 0.95, p=0.02) and 8 weeks (−1.4 vs. 0.6, p<0.01), equating to a 15% reduction in clinical bloating symptoms.
In a subgroup of participants with IBS (n=33), similar effects were observed. The probiotic group had significantly lower bloating severity scores than the placebo group at 4 weeks (4.24±3 vs. 6.73±3, p=0.03), with a trend in the same direction at 8 weeks, though not statistically significant. The change in bloating severity from pre- to post-intervention was significant at 4 weeks (−0.79 vs. 2.8, p=0.03; Cohen’s d=0.75) but did not reach statistical significance at 8 weeks.
Despite these improvements in bloating, both the probiotic and placebo groups reported similar levels of overall relief of gastrointestinal symptoms, satisfaction with treatment, and improvements in Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QOL), with no significant differences between the two groups.
Key Takeaways
This probiotic blend could potentially be helpful for those with non-constipated forms of IBS or functional bloating, particularly for reducing bloating after about 4 weeks of use. The benefits may extend to 8 weeks but could diminish over time. However, it’s important to note that this probiotic does not have evidence supporting benefits for broader IBS symptoms or improvements in overall quality of life. More high-quality studies are needed to fully assess the therapeutic potential of this probiotic in IBS populations.
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Evaluate them based on whether they transparently disclose all ingredients and their amounts, exclusively use probiotics tested in randomized placebo-controlled trials in IBS populations, contain the dosages studied, and are free from gastrointestinal irritants.
This probiotic has low to moderate quality studies in IBS populations supporting it. View our evidence evaluation framework to learn how we assess the quality of studies.
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Clinical trial: Probiotic Bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 Versus Placebo for the Symptoms of Bloating in Patients with Functional Bowel Disorders – a Double-Blind Study
J Clin Gastroenterol 2011; 45(6): 518–525
ADULTS
No data
Both the probiotic and placebo groups experienced improvements in overall relief of GI symptoms and satisfaction with treatment. However, the level of improvement was similar between the two groups, with no significant difference observed between those taking the active probiotic and those on the placebo.
At 4 weeks, participants who took the probiotic reported significantly less severe bloating symptoms compared to those who took a placebo (average scores: 4.10±3 vs. 6.17±3, p=0.009). By 8 weeks, the probiotic group still showed less bloating, although the difference was less pronounced (4.26 ±3 vs. 5.84±3, p=0.06).
When looking at the change in bloating severity from before to after the intervention, the probiotic group had a noticeable improvement, with symptoms decreasing more than in the placebo group at both 4 weeks (−1.58 vs. 0.95, p=0.02) and 8 weeks (−1.4 vs. 0.6, p<0.01). This translates to a 15% reduction in bloating symptoms for those taking the probiotic.
For those with IBS (n=33), the benefits were also evident. At 4 weeks, the probiotic group had significantly lower bloating severity scores compared to the placebo group (4.24 ±3 vs. 6.73±3, p=0.03). Although a similar trend was observed at 8 weeks, it didn’t reach statistical significance (1.58 vs. −0.69, p=0.19).
However, the pre- to post-intervention change in bloating severity was still noteworthy, with a significant reduction in the probiotic group at 4 weeks (−0.79 vs. 2.8, p=0.03; Cohen’s d =0.75), and a similar, though not statistically significant, effect at 8 weeks (−0.7 vs. 1.6, p= ns).
HR-QOL improved in all subjects, however the level of improvement did not differ between the active and the placebo groups.
No subtype-specific analysis was conducted; the study included participants with non-constipated forms of IBS and functional bloating.