Recent data suggest a role for the intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of functional bowel disorders (FBDs). Unfortunately, probiotic studies in FBDs have generated inconsistent results suggesting a strain-specific and product-specific effect. A double-blind, placebo-control clinical trial of a probiotic formula containing Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (L-NCFM) and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 (B-LBi07) twice a day (2×10CFU/day) versus placebo over eight weeks was conducted to investigate its clinical efficacy in nonconstipation FBDs. Primary endpoints were global relief of gastrointestinal symptoms and satisfaction with treatment and secondary endpoints were change in symptoms severity, well-being, and quality of life. Sixty patients (31 subjects in the probiotic group and 29 subjects in the placebo group) were enrolled and 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 twice a day supplementation with L-NCFM and B-LBi07 improves symptoms of bloating in patients with FBDs and that these data support the role for probiotic bacteria in the management of these disorders. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2011 Jul;45(6):518-25. PMID: 21436726.
