Intestinal modulation in irritable bowel syndrome: a narrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/nb.v24i1.3057Keywords:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Prebiotics; Probiotics; Symptomatology.Abstract
Introduction: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the gut-brain interaction. The intestinal microbiota in IBS is considered a central factor in the pathophysiology and its modulation through probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics has been a potential ally in reducing symptoms. Objective: To summarize evidence from human clinical trials on the effects of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic supplementation in modulating the gut microbiota and managing gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with IBS. Methods: This is a narrative review of randomized clinical trials based on articles published between 2021 and 2023 and indexed in PubMed/MEDLINE databases, maintained by the National Library of Medicine (NLM). Results: The studies demonstrated improvements in the IBS symptoms after interventions with probiotics and synbiotics, including abdominal pain, bowel habits, quality of life, and global symptoms. Only one study highlighted changes in the intestinal microbiota after supplementation with Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus cereus strains. Probiotics considered as treatment options for diarrhea-predominant IBS, include the use of isolated probiotics of Bifidobacterium and a multi-strain combination. Saccharomyces cerevisiae also showed benefits for other classifications, mainly for IBS with a predominance of constipation. Prebiotics may promote improvements in stool consistency and pain symptoms. Synbiotics were considered an option for treating IBS symptoms for diarrhea- and constipation-predominant bowel movements. Conclusion: Interventions with probiotics and synbiotics promote improvement in symptoms and intestinal habits related to IBS with a predominance of diarrhea or constipation.
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