Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation, and that affects approximately 35 million Americans. The causes of this disorder are not well understood, although it is believed to be caused by a number of different factors. Recent findings have suggested that one factor is an impaired function of the intestinal mucosal barrier, which leads to an increase in intestinal permeability. Intestinal permeability, accompanied by inflammation has been found to be increased in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS). One possible solution for this problem is the use of probiotics, or bacteria that are healthy for the gastrointestinal system. Probiotics can interact with the host gut lining to decrease inflammation and to preserve the function of the barrier. Lactic acid bacteria have been found to be particularly promising in this area.
A recent study observed the effects of lactic acid bacteria on increased intestinal permeability in D-IBS patients. In this 4 week, randomized single blind placebo-controlled study, 30 D-IBS patients were given either a probiotic fermented milk which contained Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaris, and Bifidobacterium longum, or else milk with no bacteria as a placebo. Clinical symptoms were determined and intestinal permeability was measured at the beginning and end of the study. After the four weeks, it was found that the probiotic drink significantly decreased the permeability of the small bowel, and significantly decreased the mean global IBS score.
Lactobacillus species have been found in other studies to relieve IBS symptoms and improve health-related quality of life in IBS sufferers. These bacteria are able to attach to mucosal surfaces in the gastrointestinal tract, block the attachment of pathogenic bacteria, and enhance the secretion of mucins, which could be helpful in enhancing mucosal barrier function. This study found that lactic acid bacteria provide a safe and effective way to improve both the intestinal mucosal barrier function and bowel symptoms in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
Zeng J et al. Clinical trial: effect of active lactic acid bacteria on mucosal barrier function in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2008; 28:994-1002.
For more information, see Advanced Biotics.
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