Synopsis

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

Enterococcus, particularly Enterococcus faecium, is sometimes included in probiotic formulations marketed for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The scientific basis for its use is modest but present. Several small-scale clinical trials and studies have investigated its efficacy, often in combination with other probiotic strains rather than as a single agent. For example, Enterococcus faecium SF68 has been studied in the context of gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS. Some studies report improvements in symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and stool frequency, but these tend to be limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and methodological constraints. A 2018 review (McFarland et al., 2018) noted that while multi-strain probiotics containing Enterococcus may offer some symptomatic relief to IBS patients, the overall quality of evidence is low. Furthermore, guidelines from major gastroenterology societies do not specifically endorse Enterococcus-containing probiotics for IBS due to insufficient high-quality data. Historically, Enterococcus has not been widely used in traditional medicine for IBS-like symptoms. Its use is primarily based on recent probiotic research rather than longstanding empirical use. In summary, while there is some preliminary scientific evidence supporting the use of Enterococcus in IBS, it is limited, and larger, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm effectiveness and safety.

More about Enterococcus
More about Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Other ingredients used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Other health conditions supported by Enterococcus

Products containing Enterococcus