Synopsis

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

Bifidobacterium species are among the most commonly studied probiotics for the management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Scientific evidence, including several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, indicates that certain strains of Bifidobacterium may help reduce global IBS symptoms, abdominal pain, and bloating. Notably, Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 has been the subject of high-quality studies demonstrating significant improvement in IBS symptoms compared to placebo. However, results are mixed across different strains and formulations. For example, Bifidobacterium animalis and Bifidobacterium breve have also shown some promise, but not all studies are positive, and effects may depend on the specific strain, dose, and patient population.

A 2020 meta-analysis (Ford et al., American Journal of Gastroenterology) concluded that Bifidobacterium-containing probiotics are associated with a modest but significant improvement in IBS symptoms. Guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology suggest that probiotics, including Bifidobacterium, can be considered for global symptom relief in IBS, though they note the heterogeneity of the evidence.

It is important to highlight that “Bifidobacterium (unspecified)” is a broad term, and efficacy is not guaranteed for all species or strains. The benefits seen in clinical trials are generally strain-specific, and using an unspecified or untested strain may not yield the same results. Nevertheless, there is moderate scientific validation for some Bifidobacterium strains in IBS, justifying a rating of 3 on the evidence scale.

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