Evidence supporting the use of: Prebiotic (unspecified)
For the health condition: Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Synopsis

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

Prebiotics—non-digestible food components such as inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and galactooligosaccharides (GOS)—are used to support/treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) based on growing scientific evidence. The rationale stems from their ability to modulate the gut microbiota, enhancing populations of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which are often reduced in people with IBS.

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have examined prebiotics in IBS populations. For example, studies suggest that low to moderate doses of prebiotics, especially GOS, may improve symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and stool consistency. A 2017 systematic review (Wilson et al., 2017, J Gastroenterol Hepatol) found that GOS supplementation led to modest improvements in global IBS symptoms. However, effects vary with the type of prebiotic, dose, and individual patient characteristics. Some prebiotics, particularly at higher doses, may exacerbate symptoms due to fermentation and gas production.

Clinical guidelines (such as those from the British Society of Gastroenterology) acknowledge a possible benefit, but also emphasize the need for individualized therapy and more research. In summary, scientific evidence supports the use of some prebiotics for IBS, but the overall benefit is moderate and not universal. Prebiotics are not a first-line therapy, but may be considered as part of a broader management plan.

More about Prebiotic (unspecified)
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

Products containing Prebiotic (unspecified)

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