Recent data suggest that intestinal microbiota may play an important role in the pathogenesis of functional bowel disorders. However, probiotic studies in functional bowel disorders have generated inconsistent results thereby suggesting a strain-specific and product-specific effect. To investigate this issue, a probiotic formula containing Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (L-NCFM) and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 (B-LBi07) was administered to patients with non-constipating functional bowel disorders twice daily (2×10CFU/day) in this double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial over eight weeks (probiotic, n = 31; placebo, n = 29). Primary endpoints were global relief of gastrointestinal symptoms and satisfaction with treatment and secondary endpoints were change in symptom severity, well being, and quality of life. Abdominal bloating improved in the probiotic group compared with the placebo group at four weeks (4.10 vs 6.17, p = 0.009; change in bloating severity p = 0.02) and eight weeks (4.26 vs 5.84, p = 0.06; change in bloating severity P<0.01). The authors concluded that these data support the role of intestinal bacteria in the pathophysiology of functional bowel disorders and that a probiotic formula containing L-NCFM and B-LBi07 may play a role in the management of these disorders. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2011 Jul;45(6):518-25. PMID: 21436726
