Research Progress on the Role of Lactobacillus reuteri in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Review

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a multifactorial functional intestinal disorder whose pathogenesis involves intestinal microbiota imbalance, mucosal barrier impairment, immune-inflammatory responses, and dysregulation of the gut-brain axis. Lactobacillus reuteri has been shown to modulate the gut microbiota, produce antimicrobial metabolites, strengthen the intestinal mucosal barrier, suppress inflammatory responses, and participate in gut-brain axis regulation, thereby potentially contributing to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and the alleviation of IBS-related symptoms. These findings indicate that L. reuteri holds potential therapeutic value in the prevention and treatment of IBS. However, the majority of supporting evidence derives from animal experiments, in vitro studies, or indirect sources, and its precise mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy warrant further investigation.