Improvement of gastrointestinal health status in subjects consuming Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 capsules: a post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are conditions that are frequently observed in clinical practice. A post-hoc analysis has been undertaken to evaluate the effect of bile salt hydrolase-active L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 on GI health status based on Rome III questionnaire response in otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Research design/methods: A total of 127 subjects received either L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 or placebo capsules over a 9-week intervention in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm, multicenter study. Subjects were asked to complete the Rome III diagnostic GI questionnaire prior to the baseline and end point visits of the clinical study.

Main outcome measure: GI health status was evaluated, per questionnaire, by assessing all questions with 5- or 7-point response scales for symptoms of the stomach and intestines.

Results: Subjects receiving L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 reported significant improvements in general GI health status (p = 0.029) and in symptoms related to diarrhea (p = 0.018) as compared to placebo over the intervention period. Further, a greater proportion of L. reuteri-treated subjects showed improved general GI health status (p = 0.042) and improved diarrhea symptoms (p = 0.03).

Conclusions: L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 capsules appear to be well tolerated and potentially beneficial for GI health status. Further clinical investigation is warranted for the treatment of functional GI disorders.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01341613.