A new guide from Healthflow Naturopathic clinic in Calgary breaks down which probiotic strains clinical research supports for specific types of irritable bowel syndrome, authored by Dr. Derek Cook, ND.
-- Healthflow Naturopathic has published a patient guide by Dr. Derek Cook, ND, examining how clinical research on probiotic strains relates to different types of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Drawing on a 2023 network meta-analysis of 81 randomized controlled trials and other published studies, the guide explains why probiotic effects can vary by strain and why results from one product may not apply to another.
More information is available at https://www.healthflow.ca/learning-center/probiotic-strains-for-ibs-based-on-clinical-research.
IBS affects an estimated 10% to 15% of adults in the United States, equivalent to roughly 25 to 45 million people, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. A 2024 survey by the American Gastroenterological Association and The Harris Poll found that symptoms disrupt patients’ personal and professional lives an average of 19 days per month, underscoring the ongoing burden of a condition that can involve abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or mixed bowel habits.
The guide reviews clinical research on several probiotic strains organized by IBS subtype. For constipation-predominant IBS, it covers Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 and HN019. Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus paracasei B21060, and Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 are discussed for diarrhea-predominant IBS, while Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 and combinations involving Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 are highlighted for mixed presentations. Dr. Cook notes that these findings do not establish any single probiotic as the best option for all patients.
Clinical recommendations also reflect the uncertainty around probiotics for IBS. The guide notes that the American College of Gastroenterology recommends against using probiotics for overall IBS symptoms, citing inconclusive evidence. While some resources discuss potential benefits from specific strains, the guide cautions that findings for one strain cannot be automatically applied to other probiotic products.
The guide also references Monash University’s recommendation to trial one probiotic product at a time for at least four weeks while tracking symptoms. If no improvement occurs after approximately 12 weeks, discontinuing the product may be appropriate. This approach helps patients assess individual responses while accounting for the fact that probiotic effects can vary considerably between people.
About Healthflow Naturopathic
Healthflow Naturopathic is a Calgary-based naturopathic and integrative healthcare clinic founded in 2008 by Dr. Derek Cook, ND. The clinic offers in-person care in Calgary and virtual services across Alberta, including naturopathic medicine, functional testing, and IV therapy.
For additional resources and information, visit https://www.healthflow.ca/
Contact Info:
Name: Dr. Derek Cook
Email: Send Email
Organization: Healthflow Naturopathic
Address: 2204 2 Street SW 120M, Calgary, Alberta T2S 3C2, Canada
Phone: +1-403-313-4354
Website: https://www.healthflow.ca/
Source: NewsNetwork
Release ID: 89209495
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