# Efficacy of Specific Probiotic Strains in Subtypes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

## TL;DR

This study finds that specific probiotic strains can effectively reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, improving quality of life without significant side effects.

## Contribution

This paper provides a meta-analysis showing the efficacy and safety of probiotics across different subtypes of IBS.

## Key findings

- Probiotics significantly reduced intestinal discomfort and IBS severity scores.
- Probiotics showed a clinically significant improvement compared to placebo.
- Probiotics were well tolerated with no increase in adverse events.

## Abstract

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the patient’s quality of life, as well as the safety and effectiveness of different probiotic strains in treating IBS symptoms such as IBS-C, IBS-D, IBS-M, and IBS-U. Additionally, we contrast the side effects of probiotics that are single-strain and multi-strain. Materials and Methods: PRISMA criteria were followed in the conduct and reporting of this study. The protocol for this review (CRD420251120965) was entered into PROSPERO. RCTs comparing probiotic usage to placebo or usual therapy in adult IBS patients were found using four online databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Ovid Medline, and the Cochrane Library. Review Manager was used for data synthesis and statistical analysis. Results: After screening 660 records, 16 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with 2823 IBS patients were included. Probiotics significantly reduced intestinal discomfort overall (MD: −93.9; 95% CI −133.1 to −54.7; p < 0.00001) and the IBS-Severity Scoring System. Probiotics showed a clinically significant overall improvement (OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.26–2.33; p = 0.0006) when compared to a placebo. They were also well tolerated and did not increase adverse events. Conclusions: According to 16 RCTs, probiotics greatly lessen overall IBS symptoms, which enhances the quality of life and has global therapeutic implications. The findings support the use of probiotics as an effective and safe supplemental treatment for IBS patients.