Probiotics for bloating and gas
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Probiotics for Bloating and Gas: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Probiotics and Gastrointestinal Health
Probiotics, live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, have gained attention for their potential to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and gas. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to evaluate the efficacy of various probiotic strains in reducing these symptoms.
Bacillus Subtilis: Effective for Gas-Related Symptoms
Bacillus Subtilis BS50
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of Bacillus subtilis BS50 on gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adults. The study found that daily supplementation with 2 × 10^9 CFU of BS50 for six weeks significantly improved symptoms of bloating, burping, and flatulence compared to a placebo. Specifically, 47.4% of participants in the BS50 group showed improvement in these symptoms, compared to 22.2% in the placebo group .
Bacillus Subtilis MB40
Another study evaluated Bacillus subtilis MB40 and found that while overall improvements in bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort were not significant across all participants, the male subgroup showed clinically significant reductions in these symptoms. This suggests that MB40 may be more effective in specific populations .
Bacillus Coagulans: Promising Results for IBS and General Bloating
Bacillus Coagulans MTCC 5856
A study on Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 (LactoSpore) demonstrated significant improvements in gas and bloating symptoms in healthy adults. Participants who received the probiotic showed a notable reduction in gastrointestinal symptom scores compared to the placebo group .
Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30, 6086
In a controlled trial involving IBS patients, Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 significantly reduced abdominal pain and bloating over an eight-week period. These findings suggest that this strain could be a viable option for managing IBS-related symptoms .
Bifidobacterium Infantis: Mixed Results
Bifidobacterium Infantis 35624 in Non-Patients
A study on non-patients with abdominal discomfort and bloating found that Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 did not significantly improve symptom severity compared to a placebo. However, the frequency of bloating-free days was higher in the probiotic group, indicating some benefit .
Bifidobacterium Infantis 35624 in IBS Patients
Conversely, in IBS patients, Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 at a dose of 1 × 10^8 CFU significantly improved symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and other gastrointestinal issues. This highlights the importance of patient population in determining probiotic efficacy .
Lactobacillus Strains: Effective for Functional Bowel Disorders
Lactobacillus Acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium Lactis Bi-07
A double-blind study found that a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 significantly improved bloating symptoms in patients with functional bowel disorders. These results support the role of specific probiotic strains in managing such conditions .
Conclusion
The efficacy of probiotics in alleviating bloating and gas varies depending on the strain and the population studied. Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans show promising results, particularly in IBS patients and specific subgroups. Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus strains also demonstrate potential benefits, though their effectiveness may be more pronounced in certain conditions. Further research is needed to optimize probiotic formulations and dosages for different gastrointestinal symptoms.
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