Prebiotics in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional bowel disorders in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Wilson B, Rossi M, Dimidi E, Whelan K
Published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Methodology
Meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials of prebiotics, including fructooligosaccharides, in IBS and functional bowel disorders.
Key Findings
Prebiotics did not improve global IBS symptoms, abdominal pain, bloating or flatulence compared with placebo; non-inulin-type prebiotics at low doses improved flatulence in subgroup analysis.
Conclusions
Prebiotics including FOS do not improve overall symptoms of IBS despite altering the microbiota.
Limitations
Few trials per prebiotic type; short durations; heterogeneous symptom scoring.
Supplements Studied
Prebiotics did not improve global symptoms, abdominal pain, bloating or flatulence in irritable bowel syndrome compared with placebo.
Prebiotics did not improve global IBS symptoms, abdominal pain, bloating or flatulence compared with placebo; non-inulin-type prebiotics at low doses improved flatulence in subgroup analysis.
Outcomes Measured
Prebiotics did not significantly improve bloating or flatulence compared with placebo.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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