Probiotic ProVen to make you less irritable

 

Clever scientists at the University of Sheffield have identified a multistrain probiotic that can help to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

 

IBS hits around six million people in the UK. Until now food diaries and the treatment of symptoms were the only relief.

 

In a recent trial involving 52 patients clinically diagnosed with IBS, half were supplemented with a high strength multistrain probiotic commercially available under the name ProVen, whilst the other half took a placebo.

 

After two weeks 68 per cent of those taking ProVen reported improvement. This figure increased to a stunning 92 per cent after just eight weeks.

 

Participants reported a reduction in abdominal pain, bloating, improved daily bowel movement and a better quality of life.

 

University of Sheffield and lead researcher on the trial Dr Elizabeth Williams said: “This trial is encouraging news for IBS sufferers.  In a robust randomised controlled design we have demonstrated that the LAB4 multistrain probiotic helps alleviate the symptoms associated with IBS”

 

 “Dairy based probiotics are available; however some IBS sufferers report that dairy products aggravate their symptoms, and so a dairy-based delivery of probiotics is not always appropriate.  This trial has tested a probiotic formula that can be delivered in a capsule and may therefore provide an alternative”.

 

Though the cause or causes of IBS still remain unclear, this latest trial provides further insight and evidence that the balance of gut microflora plays a key role in the management of the condition.

 

Chair of The Gut Trust, the national charity for irritable bowel syndrome says Jonathan Blanchard Smith said: “We welcome the findings of this latest trial which support the recent NICE guidelines and our own advice as a charity that probiotics can be a help in managing the symptoms of IBS”

 

 

 

  

ProVen 

£12.45 (30 capsules)

 www.verywisenutrition.co.uk

0800 980 1282