Bifantis Culture May Ease IBS Symptoms

MANCHESTER, England—Administration of the probiotic Bifantis (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624, from P&G Health) may alleviate symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including diarrhea and constipation, according to a new study from the University of Manchester. In the trial, reported in the American Journal of Gastroenterology (101:1581-90, 2006), 362 women between 18 and 65 years of age with diagnosed IBS received placebo or freeze-dried, encapsulated Bifantis once daily for four weeks. At the end of the trial, the probiotic group showed significantly superior results in reducing abdominal pain, bloating, bowel dysfunction, incomplete evacuation, straining and passage of gas; no adverse events were reported. The optimal dosage appeared to be 1x108 cfu.