Evidence supporting the use of: Bran
For the health condition: Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bran, particularly wheat bran, has been commonly used as a dietary intervention for patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), primarily due to its high insoluble fiber content. The rationale behind its use is that insoluble fiber can increase stool bulk and promote regular bowel movements, which may be beneficial for some IBS patients who suffer from constipation-predominant symptoms. Historically, guidelines and practitioners recommended bran for IBS based on its known effects in the management of general constipation.

However, scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of bran for IBS is limited and mixed. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown that while some patients may experience improvement in constipation, others report worsening of symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and flatulence. In fact, contemporary clinical guidelines (such as those from NICE and the American College of Gastroenterology) advise caution with the use of insoluble fiber like wheat bran, as it can exacerbate symptoms in many IBS patients, particularly those with IBS-D (diarrhea) or IBS-M (mixed type).

Soluble fiber sources (like psyllium) have more consistent evidence of benefit for IBS. Thus, while bran has a scientific basis for its use in some IBS cases, overall support is weak, and current recommendations favor other fiber sources. The evidence rating reflects the mixed and generally low-quality evidence for bran in IBS management.

More about bran
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Akkermansia muciniphila
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alpha-galactosidase
alpha-pinene
amino acids
anise
asafoetida
atractylodes
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bacillus subtilis
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beta caryophyllene
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Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
bio ecolian (proprietary)
bitter principals
black salt
blackberry
Boswellia
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bran
butyrate triglyceride
butyric acid
cannabidiol
chen pi
chia seed
chlorella
chrysanthemum
cinnamon
citron
Clerodendrum indicum
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cumin
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dragonhead
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enzyme blend
fennel
ferula assafoetida
fiber
fig
flaxseed
Frangula
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
Fumaria parviflora
galactomannan
galactooligosaccharides
ginger
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green tea
guar gum
hemicellulose
holarrhena antidysenterica
hyssop
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inulin
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L. lactis
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Lactobacillus brevis
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Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus delbrueckii
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Products containing bran

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.