Probiotics help with bloating
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The Role of Probiotics in Alleviating Bloating
Introduction to Probiotics and Bloating
Bloating is a common gastrointestinal symptom that can cause significant discomfort and impact quality of life. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host, have been studied for their potential to alleviate bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms. This article synthesizes findings from multiple research studies to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in reducing bloating.
Probiotics and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Bacillus coagulans and IBS
Several studies have highlighted the effectiveness of Bacillus coagulans in managing symptoms of IBS, including bloating. A network meta-analysis involving 43 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 5,531 IBS patients found that B. coagulans exhibited the highest probability of improving IBS symptoms, including bloating1. Another study confirmed that B. coagulans significantly improved abdominal pain and bloating in IBS patients over an 8-week period6.
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Strains
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains have also been studied for their impact on bloating. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 RCTs involving 3,452 IBS patients found that probiotics, particularly multi-strain formulations, were effective in reducing bloating scores8. Specifically, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 were shown to improve bloating symptoms in patients with functional bowel disorders5.
Probiotics and Functional Constipation
Multi-Species Probiotics
Probiotics have been found to alleviate bloating in individuals with functional constipation. A meta-analysis of 15 RCTs demonstrated that multi-species probiotics significantly decreased bloating in adults with functional constipation2. Another systematic review confirmed that probiotics, especially multi-species formulations, improved stool consistency and reduced bloating10.
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 has been studied for its effects on bloating in non-patient populations. While it did not significantly improve the severity of bloating symptoms compared to placebo, it did increase the frequency of bloating-free days3. This suggests that B. infantis may have a role in managing bloating, although its efficacy may vary depending on the population studied.
Safety and Adverse Events
The safety profile of probiotics is generally favorable. A systematic review of 82 RCTs found no significant increase in adverse events with probiotic use compared to placebo4. Another meta-analysis of 10 RCTs involving patients with constipation-predominant IBS also reported no significant differences in adverse events between probiotic and placebo groups7.
Conclusion
Probiotics, particularly multi-species formulations and specific strains like Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium lactis, have shown promise in reducing bloating in both IBS and functional constipation patients. While the evidence supports their efficacy, the degree of benefit may vary depending on the specific probiotic strain and the population studied. Overall, probiotics appear to be a safe and natural option for managing bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Further research is needed to identify the most effective strains and formulations for different patient populations.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Efficacy 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-AnalysisMeta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effects of probiotics on functional constipation in adults.
Probiotics, particularly multispecies probiotics, can significantly reduce gut transit time, increase stool frequency, and improve stool consistency in adults with functional constipation.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedMulti-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.
RCT
Rigorous JournalEfficacy of Probiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Probiotics may be beneficial in irritable bowel syndrome, but the evidence for their effectiveness is low to very low across most analyses.
Meta-AnalysisProbiotic 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.
RCTHighly CitedBacillus 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 CitedEffectiveness and Safety of Probiotics for Patients with Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 10 Randomized Controlled Trials
Probiotics may improve stool consistency and increase Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in feces for patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, but more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalThe efficacy and safety of probiotics in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: Evidence based on 35 randomized controlled trials.
Probiotics can improve IBS symptoms, but a higher incidence of adverse events is needed for their widespread adoption as a treatment.
Meta-AnalysisThe 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.
RCTRigorous JournalThe effect of probiotics on functional constipation in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Probiotics may improve gut transit time, stool frequency, and stool consistency in adults with functional constipation, but more rigorous research is needed to determine the most effective strains, doses, and duration of use.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited