Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Polyethylene glycol (PEG), particularly PEG 3350, is an osmotic laxative widely used to treat constipation, including in patients who have Irritable Bowel Syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Its mechanism of action is to retain water in the stool, increasing stool frequency and improving stool consistency. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have assessed the efficacy of PEG in patients with IBS-C. While PEG is not specifically approved by regulatory agencies for "IBS" per se, it is recommended by clinical guidelines for treating constipation-predominant IBS due to its proven efficacy and safety in chronic constipation. Studies indicate that PEG effectively increases bowel movements and relieves constipation-related symptoms in IBS-C patients, but it may not significantly impact the abdominal pain or bloating that can accompany IBS. For these reasons, the evidence supporting PEG’s use in IBS is moderate: it is primarily effective for the constipation aspect, but does not address the full symptom spectrum of IBS. Most major gastroenterology societies recommend PEG as a first-line agent for constipation, including in IBS-C, but not for IBS with diarrhea or mixed symptoms. Overall, the scientific foundation for PEG’s use in IBS-C is sound, but its effect is limited to constipation relief.

More about Polyethylene glycol
More about Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Other ingredients used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

2'-Fucosyllactose
akkermansia muciniphila
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
alpha-pinene
amino acids
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
Indian frankincense
butyrate triglyceride
chen pi
chia seed
chlorella
cinnamon
turmeric
curcumin
fennel
flaxseed
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
ginger
green banana
green tea
guar gum
cellulose
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
l-glutamine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lovage
marshmallow
oat
pectin
peppermint oil
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
butyric acid
psyllium
quercetin
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
vitamin D
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
hyssop
atractylodes
ferula assafoetida
anise
holarrhena antidysenterica
fumaria parviflora
chrysanthemum
senna
white oak
algae
Agastache
Asafoetida
Alexandrian senna
Agrimonia pilosa
Betony
Bifidobacterium
Bacillus indicus
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Boswellia
Bacillus licheniformis
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Cumin
Coriander
Citron
Cannabidiol
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Enterococcus
Enzyme Blend
Fig
Fiber
Quince
Rhubarb

Other health conditions supported by Polyethylene glycol

Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Products containing Polyethylene glycol

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