Exploring Gut Microbiota Imbalance in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Potential Therapeutic Effects of Probiotics and Their Metabolites.

PubMed: 39796588
DOI: 10.3390/nu17010155

Study Design

Type: Review
Population: Irritable bowel syndrome
Methods: This review aimed to report and consolidate recent progress in understanding the role of gut dysbiosis in the pathophysiology of IBS, as well as the current studies that have focused on the use of probiotics and their metabolites.

Rigorous Journal

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal discomfort, bloating, cramping, flatulence, and changes in bowel movements. The pathophysiology of IBS involves a complex interaction between motor, sensory, microbiological, immunological, and psychological factors. Diversity, stability, and metabolic activity of the gut microbiota are frequently altered in IBS, thus leading to a situation of gut dysbiosis. Therefore, the use of probiotics and probiotic-derived metabolites may be helpful in balancing the gut microbiota and alleviating irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. This review aimed to report and consolidate recent progress in understanding the role of gut dysbiosis in the pathophysiology of IBS, as well as the current studies that have focused on the use of probiotics and their metabolites, providing a foundation for their potential beneficial effects as a complementary and alternative therapeutic strategy for this condition due to the current absence of effective and safe treatments.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Bifidobacterium breve Bb-18	—	Improved Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms	Beneficial	Small	View source the use of probiotics and probiotic-derived metabolites may be helpful in balancing the gut microbiota and alleviating irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
Bifidobacterium breve Bb-18	—	Reduced Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms	Beneficial	Small	View source the use of probiotics and probiotic-derived metabolites may be helpful in balancing the gut microbiota and alleviating irritable bowel syndrome symptoms