Biotic therapies for irritable bowel syndrome: current interventions

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits without measurable disease processes. Recent research emphasizes the gut-brain-microbiome (GBM) axis and explores how microbiota influence gastrointestinal and central nervous system functions. Here, we first discuss a brief overview of various treatment approaches for IBS, focusing on interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics that target the GBM axis in adults with IBS. Relevant trials discussed the use of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics. Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium featured prominently among the probiotics used. Several significant outcomes, including a reduction in symptom frequency, abdominal-pain severity, and improved stool consistency, were noted. Three prebiotic trials showed variable benefits, including a reduction in bloating and stool consistency, but showed less significant benefits compared with those with probiotics and synbiotics. Six trials on synbiotics showed a significant reduction in abdominal-pain severity, bowel-habit satisfaction, and reduced gut-related anxiety. Probiotics and synbiotics, particularly those containing Bifidobacteria or Lactobacilli strains, were effective in managing IBS symptoms. Future research is needed to assess their long-term benefits.