Probiotic Fermented Milk Containing Dietary Fiber Has Additive Effects in IBS with Constipation Compared to Plain Probiotic Fermented Milk

Abstract

Background/Aims: Although controversial, probiotics and dietary fiber are commonly used for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We evaluated the effects of multistrain probiotics on the symptoms of IBS to determine whether the addition of dietary fiber had an additive effect on constipation-predominant IBS. Methods: A total of 142 participants who met the Rome III criteria were recruited and randomized into a control group or a test group. Participants in the control group received multistrain probiotic fermented milk with Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium infantis; the participants in the test group received the same probiotic fermented milk mixed with dietary fiber such as sea tangle extracts, radish extracts and glasswort extracts. The patients were treated for four weeks. Results: Most of the symptoms of IBS, with the exception of flatulence, stool consistency, and frequency of defecation, significantly improved in both groups. In the analysis of IBS subtypes, especially constipation-predominant IBS, the frequency and duration of defecation and straining at stool were improved more in the test group than in the control group. Conclusions: Dietary fiber had additive benefits for the symptoms of constipation, especially in constipation-predominant IBS. (Gut Liver 2011;5:22-28)