A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Evaluating Multi-Species Synbiotic Supplementation for Bloating, Gas, and Abdominal Discomfort.

2026-01-14
Nutrients 18(2)

PubMed: 41599868
DOI: 10.3390/nu18020255

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: participants (n = 350) with self-reported bloating/indigestion
Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, decentralized trial, participants received either a multi-species synbiotic (53.6 billion AFU multi-species probiotic and 400 mg pomegranate extract; DS-01) or placebo daily for 6 weeks.

Rigorous Journal

Background: Bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort are common in healthy individuals but lack effective interventions. Probiotics can alleviate some gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms; however, evidence for their impact on bloating, gas and abdominal discomfort in otherwise healthy populations remains limited. Mechanistic studies suggest that synbiotics may influence the underlying mechanisms of bloating, including increased gas production, impaired gut motility, and visceral hypersensitivity, but there is a paucity of data from large trials evaluating clinical outcomes. Accordingly, we evaluated the effects of a multi-species synbiotic on GI symptoms. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, decentralized trial, participants (n = 350) with self-reported bloating/indigestion received either a multi-species synbiotic (53.6 billion AFU multi-species probiotic and 400 mg pomegranate extract; DS-01) or placebo daily for 6 weeks. Outcomes included GI quality-of-life (DQLQ), bloating and gas (PROMIS-GI 13a), abdominal discomfort (PROMIS-GI 5a), constipation, regularity, mood-related symptoms, and safety. Results: The multi-species synbiotic improved GI quality-of-life compared to placebo (0.80 vs. 1.20; p < 0.05) at Week 6. Bloating and gas were reduced in the synbiotic arm compared to placebo (16.0 vs. 21.0; p < 0.01), with more participants reporting never/rarely bloating (72.3% vs. 55.9%; p < 0.001). Abdominal discomfort also decreased (8.0 vs. 10.0; p < 0.01). Additionally, there was a statistically significant improvement in constipation symptoms and regularity in the synbiotic arm relative to placebo. Conclusions: Daily supplementation with this multi-species synbiotic significantly improved GI quality-of-life, bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, and bowel habits. This is the first synbiotic to demonstrate meaningful improvements in bloating and gas in a generally healthy, diverse, real-world population.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175	—	Improved Quality of Life	Beneficial	Small	View source The multi-species synbiotic improved GI quality-of-life compared to placebo (0.80 vs. 1.20; p < 0.05) at Week 6.
Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175	—	Reduced Abdominal Discomfort	Beneficial	Small	View source Abdominal discomfort also decreased (8.0 vs. 10.0; p < 0.01).
Lactobacillus plantarum Rosell-A	—	Improved Quality of Life	Beneficial	Small	View source The multi-species synbiotic improved GI quality-of-life compared to placebo (0.80 vs. 1.20; p < 0.05) at Week 6.
Lactobacillus plantarum Rosell-A	—	Reduced Abdominal Discomfort	Beneficial	Small	View source Abdominal discomfort also decreased (8.0 vs. 10.0; p < 0.01).