Probiotics gas bloating
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The Impact of Probiotics on Gas and Bloating: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Probiotics and Gastrointestinal Health
Probiotics, live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host, have been extensively studied for their potential to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas and bloating. These symptoms are common complaints among individuals with functional bowel disorders (FBDs) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well as in healthy populations. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a clear understanding of the efficacy of various probiotic strains in reducing gas and bloating.
Bacillus Subtilis and Gastrointestinal 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 placebo. Specifically, 31.6% of participants reported improvement in bloating, highlighting the potential of BS50 as a safe and effective probiotic for reducing gas-related symptoms1.
Bacillus Subtilis MB40
Another study evaluated Bacillus subtilis MB40 in a similar trial format. While the overall results did not show significant improvements in bloating across all participants, a subgroup analysis revealed that males experienced clinically significant reductions in bloating intensity and frequency, as well as improvements in general health scores8. This suggests that MB40 may be particularly beneficial for specific demographics.
Bifidobacterium Infantis and Abdominal Discomfort
Bifidobacterium Infantis 35624
Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 has been studied for its effects on abdominal discomfort and bloating in both IBS patients and non-patient populations. In a study involving non-patients, B. infantis 35624 did not significantly improve the severity of abdominal discomfort and bloating compared to placebo, although it did increase the frequency of symptom-free days2. Conversely, in IBS patients, B. infantis 35624 at a dose of 1 × 10^8 CFU significantly reduced symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and gas, demonstrating its efficacy in a clinical setting4.
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Strains in Functional Bowel Disorders
Lactobacillus Acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium Lactis Bi-07
A study on patients with non-constipation FBDs assessed the combined effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07. The results indicated significant improvements in bloating severity at both four and eight weeks of supplementation compared to placebo, supporting the role of these probiotics in managing FBD symptoms3.
Bacillus Coagulans and IBS
Bacillus Coagulans MTCC 5856
Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856, known for its spore-forming and lactic acid-producing properties, was evaluated in a study involving adults with functional gas and bloating. The probiotic group showed significant reductions in GSRS indigestion scores and overall gastrointestinal symptoms compared to placebo, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic option for gas and bloating5.
Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30, 6086
In a controlled trial, Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 was found to significantly improve abdominal pain and bloating in IBS patients over an eight-week period. These findings highlight the strain's effectiveness in alleviating IBS-related symptoms and its potential for broader application in gastrointestinal health9.
Conclusion
The evidence from multiple studies underscores the potential of specific probiotic strains in reducing gas and bloating. Bacillus subtilis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bacillus coagulans have all demonstrated varying degrees of efficacy in different populations. While some probiotics show promise in healthy individuals, others are more effective in clinical settings such as IBS and FBDs. Future research should continue to explore the strain-specific and dose-dependent effects of probiotics to optimize their use in managing gastrointestinal symptoms.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The probiotic Bacillus subtilis BS50 decreases gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Daily supplementation of 2 109 CFU Bacillus subtilis BS50 is a well-tolerated and safe strategy to alleviate gas-related gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adults.
RCT
Rigorous JournalMulti-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study to Evaluate the Benefit of the Probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in Non-Patients With Symptoms of Abdominal Discomfort and Bloating
Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 did not significantly improve abdominal discomfort and bloating symptoms in a non-patient population, possibly due to a high placebo effect and lower impact of functional bowel symptoms.
RCTRigorous JournalProbiotic Bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 Versus Placebo for the Symptoms of Bloating in Patients With Functional Bowel Disorders: A Double-blind Study
Probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 improve bloating symptoms in patients with functional bowel disorders, supporting their role in managing these disorders.
RCT
Highly CitedEfficacy of an Encapsulated Probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in Women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Bifidobacterium infantis 35624, at a dose of 1 108 cfu, effectively relieves many IBS symptoms and is easily administered in capsule form.
RCT
Large Human TrialHighly CitedThe effects of Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 on functional gas and bloating in adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 may be a potential supplement to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with abdominal gas and distension.
RCTProbiotics for the treatment of systemic sclerosis-associated gastrointestinal bloating/ distention.
Probiotics significantly improve gastrointestinal symptoms in systemic sclerosis patients, particularly in terms of distention/bloating.
Non-RCTHighly CitedEfficacy of Probiotics for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
B.coagulans probiotics show the highest efficacy in improving IBS symptoms, with B.coagulans showing the highest efficacy in abdominal pain and straining scores after 8 weeks of treatment.
Meta-AnalysisA Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Parallel Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Bacillus subtilis MB40 to Reduce Abdominal Discomfort, Gas, and Bloating
Bacillus subtilis MB40 supplementation significantly reduced bloating intensity and abdominal discomfort in males, with a 10% improvement in general health score compared to placebo.
RCTBacillus coagulans significantly improved abdominal pain and bloating in patients with IBS.
Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 probiotic may be a safe and effective option for relieving abdominal pain and bloating in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
RCTHighly CitedThe gastrointestinal status of healthy adults: a post hoc assessment of the impact of three distinct probiotics.
Probiotic supplementation can reduce gastrointestinal discomfort in healthy adults, with potential anti-constipation effects.
RCT