Success of probiotics in multi-pronged action against irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Citation

(2003), "Success of probiotics in multi-pronged action against irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 33 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2003.01733eab.006

Success of probiotics in multi-pronged action against irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Success of probiotics in multi-pronged action against irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

In an article published in Practice Nurse on Nutrition and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Dr Jennifer Madden – research microbiologists, MRC Microbiology and Gut Biology Group, University of Dundee – cites simple alterations in diet and lifestyle to help counter the common condition of IBS. She also encourages people to take a probiotic when prescribed antibiotics.

This condition – thought to affect one-fifth of the UK population at some time in their lives – is uncomfortable, unpleasant and affects the quality of life. Dr Madden suggests that probiotics, taken as part of a programme of self-management, can help keep the condition under control and her advice includes:

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  three regular meals a day;

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  adequate amounts of fluid, but no alcohol or caffeine;

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  active lifestyle; and

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  improving gut microflora with probiotics.

"One organism has been used in the majority of studies involving IBS patients" says Dr Madden, "and this is the Lactobacillus plantarum 299v bacteria found in the ProViva probiotic fruit drink".

"There is considerable evidence to suggest that an altered intestinal microflora may be of importance in the aetiology of IBS" writes Dr Madden who observes that "11 per cent of IBS patients attributed the onset of their symptoms to antibiotics, 12 per cent to gastrointestinal infections and 5 per cent to abdominal or pelvic surgery. People are also 12 times more likely to develop IBS, following a first episode of bacterial gastroenteritis, than those in the general population".

Dr Madden says "Probiotics may well be more successful in the prevention, or treatment of some symptoms rather than the treatment of IBS as an entire condition. They have already proven their ability to prevent and treat antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Ideally, patients taking antibiotics should take a probiotic at the same time, or immediately afterwards, to help alleviate any possible side effects".

Dr Madden also cites the success of probiotics in preventing yeast infections in those IBS patients taking antibiotics.

She concludes "There is evidence to suggest that an altered gut microbiotia may play a part in the pathogenesis of IBS, or in its manifestation. Also that dietary supplements, such as probiotics, may help alleviate symptoms".

ProViva, the fruit juice probiotic drink from Sweden, contains Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v) which is a well researched gut-friendly bacteria supported by a growing dossier of research reports published in respected journals. It can be found in the juice chiller cabinet of most supermarkets in strawberry or blackcurrant and is suitable for adults and children, including vegetarians and those who cannot take dairy products.

Each 200ml glass of ProViva contains 100 billion bacteria, the recommended daily dose for an adult. It is one of the most robust products on the market in terms of live bacterial count and its beneficial effects on health are well documented.

Call the ProViva Consumer Information Line on (0845) 6011754 for further information or visit their Web site at: www.proviva.co.uk