Do probiotics make you bloated
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Do Probiotics Make You Bloated?
Introduction to Probiotics and Bloating
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. They are commonly used to improve gut health and alleviate symptoms of various gastrointestinal disorders. However, there is ongoing debate about whether probiotics can cause or alleviate bloating.
Probiotics and Functional Bowel Disorders (FBD)
Several studies have investigated the effects of probiotics on bloating, particularly in patients with functional bowel disorders (FBD). A double-blind study involving Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 showed significant improvement in bloating symptoms compared to a placebo group over an 8-week period . This suggests that specific strains of probiotics can alleviate bloating in FBD patients.
Probiotics in Non-Patients with Abdominal Discomfort
In contrast, a study on Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in non-patients with abdominal discomfort and bloating did not show significant improvement in bloating severity compared to a placebo. This indicates that the effectiveness of probiotics may vary depending on the population and the specific strains used.
Bacillus coagulans and Bloating
Another study focused on Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 found that this probiotic significantly reduced symptoms of gas and bloating in healthy adults over a 4-week period. This supports the potential of certain probiotics to alleviate bloating in a broader population.
Meta-Analysis and Systematic Reviews
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials highlighted that multispecies probiotics are more effective in reducing bloating compared to single-species probiotics. Similarly, a systematic review on probiotics for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) found low to very low certainty evidence that some probiotic strains can reduce bloating .
Probiotics vs. Placebo in Constipated Patients
In a study involving constipated patients, a probiotic blend containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains did not show significant improvement in bloating compared to a placebo. This suggests that the effectiveness of probiotics may also depend on the specific gastrointestinal condition being treated.
Comparative Studies
A comparative study between probiotics and colloidal bismuth subcitrate found that probiotics were more effective in reducing the frequency and severity of bloating. This further supports the role of probiotics in managing bloating symptoms.
Conclusion
The evidence suggests that probiotics can both alleviate and have no significant effect on bloating, depending on the specific strains used, the population studied, and the underlying gastrointestinal conditions. While some probiotics have shown promise in reducing bloating, particularly in patients with functional bowel disorders, their effectiveness in non-patient populations and other conditions remains inconsistent. Further research is needed to identify the most effective probiotic strains and their mechanisms of action in alleviating bloating.
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