LP299V^® stands out among IBS efficacy studies

A recent publication by McFarland and colleagues concludes that the probiotic strain LP299V^® is one of the few probiotics which consistently show significant efficacy for IBS measures.

The systematic review and meta-analysis was published in the journal EClinicalMedicine in November 2021. The aim was to determine which probiotic strains are safe and effective in irritable bowel syndrome, IBS. The European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) have suggested that for determination of efficacy, only probiotics with at least two randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) should be used. Moreover, the analysis should include only sub-groups of identical probiotic strains. The article by McFarland and colleagues included only RCTs done with probiotics that have been tested in two or more trials with at least one IBS outcome in common.

In line with these recommendations, Probi^® believes in strain-specific effects that are repeatedly shown in randomized, double-blind, and controlled clinical studies. Our Probi ClinBac™ portfolio is a range of premium probiotic offerings targeting different health indications and are all supported by multiple studies.

McFarland and colleagues screened a total of 521 studies, but only 42 RCTs fulfilled all inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Out of these 42, five were using the strain LP299V^®.

The RCTs included were screened based on the most common outcomes from IBS trials. Abdominal pain is the predominant measure of IBS. Only four probiotic strains demonstrated significant reduction in abdominal pain. The strain LP299V^® was one of them.

The meta-analysis showed significant efficacy for only three probiotic mixtures, in contrast to six single-strain probiotics. It is not a given that more strains yield better effects than single strains.

When developing probiotic offerings, Probi^® selects a particular strain or combination of strains with proven efficacy in clinical studies of specific health benefits. Our probiotic offerings Probi Digestis^® and Probi FerroSorb^® are based on a single strain, while Probi Defendum^® is based on two strains and Probi^® Osteo is a combination of three strains. These probiotic offerings have clinically proven efficacy for IBS, iron absorption, immune support, and bone health support, respectively.

Read the full analysis here