Efficacy of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics in irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipation: systematic review and meta-analysis
Ford AC, Quigley EM, Lacy BE, Lembo AJ, Saito YA, Schiller LR, Soffer EE, Spiegel BM, Moayyedi P
Published in American Journal of Gastroenterology
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 randomised controlled trials of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics in IBS and chronic idiopathic constipation.
Key Findings
Probiotics reduced global IBS symptoms and abdominal pain (relative risk of persistent symptoms 0.79), though which species and strains are most effective remains unclear.
Conclusions
Probiotics modestly improve abdominal pain and cramping in IBS, with uncertainty about optimal strains.
Limitations
Substantial heterogeneity; many small trials; publication bias possible.
Supplements Studied
Probiotics reduced global IBS symptoms and abdominal pain, with a relative risk of persistent symptoms of 0.79.
Outcomes Measured
Probiotics reduced global IBS symptoms and abdominal pain compared with placebo.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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