Effects of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in IBS patients

Abstract

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder, which still lacks effective therapy. We aimed to investigate the effects of a novel formulation of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 with vitamin B6 (LBB) on symptoms, intestinal permeability, cultivable bacteria and metabolome in IBS subjects. Materials and methods: Twenty-five IBS patients (Rome IV criteria) (M:F = 8:17; age 48 years ± 11 SD) were randomized to treatment (LBB) or placebo (one month each) in a crossover randomized double-blind controlled trial. Symptoms, intestinal habits, disease severity, intestinal permeability and intestinal microbiota were analysed at 0, 30, 45 and 60 days. Results: Percentage decrease from baseline of abdominal pain (−48.8% vs −3.5%), bloating (−36.35% vs +7.35%) and severity of disease (−30.1% vs −0.4%) was significantly (P