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Aim: To investigate the effects of multispecies probiotic supplementation (L. rhamnosus GG, L. rhamnosus Lc705, P. freudenreichii subsp. shermanii JS and B. animalis subsp. lactis Bb12) on abdominal symptoms, quality of life, intestinal microbiota, and inflammatory markers in IBS.

Methods: Eighty-six IBS patients (Rome II criteria) participated in this randomized, placebo-controlled 5-month intervention. Patients were randomized to receive daily either multispecies probiotic supplementation or placebo. IBS symptoms, quality of life, microarray-based intestinal microbiota stability (n=20), serum cytokines and sensitive-CRP were monitored.

Results: The composite IBS score had at five months decreased 14 points (95% CI: -19 to -9) from baseline with the multispecies probiotic versus 3 points (95% CI: -8 to 1) with placebo (p=0.0083). Especially distension and abdominal pain were affected. A stabilization of the microbiota was observed, as the microbiota similarity index increased with the probiotic supplementation (1.87 ± 3.13), while it decreased with placebo (-2.93 ± 1.68). No differences were seen in CRP.

Conclusions: This multispecies probiotic seems to be an effective and safe option to alleviate symptoms of IBS, and to stabilize the intestinal microbiota.

Source: Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Online Oct 6, 2007. DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03542.x by Kajander K, Mullyluoma E, Rajilic-Stojanovic M, Kyronpals S, Rasmussen M, Jarvenpaa S, Zoetendal EG, M De Vos, W, Vapaatolo M, Korpela R. Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Valio Ltd, Research Centre, Helsinki; Foundation for Nutrition Research, Helsinki; Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Tampere Health Centre and Department of Medicine, Tampere City Hospital, Tampere, Finland; MedCare Foundation, Aanekoski, Finland. [E-mail: Riitta Korpela, riitta.korpela@valio.fi ]