Prebiotic Delivers IBS Relief

YOKOHAMA, JapanEnzyme-treated rice fiber (ERF) is a promising remedy for taming symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to newly published research in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine (Epub ahead of print).

ERF, a prebiotic from defatted rice bran that was developed as an insoluble dietary fiber through amylase and hemicellulase treatment followed by removal of the soluble fraction, is utilized by lactobacilli bacteria in the gut. The Japanese scientists applied ERF and a control to a restraint stress model of IBS. During periods of stress (four hours per day for three days), ERF reduced several expected symptoms including fecal urgency, abnormal serotonin metabolism and hyperaesthesia (sensitivity to stimuli). No pro-inflammatory markers were produced during treatment with either protocol. Acknowledging more research is needed, the scientists concluded ERF showed the potential to attenuate major symptoms of IBS.