Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 22, 2024 5 months, 1 day, 15 hours, 3 minutes ago
Medical News: Imagine dealing with constant stomach pain and discomfort at a young age. For many children and adolescents with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), this is a daily reality. However, a recent study conducted in Chile offers new hope, showing that a specific probiotic, Bifidobacterium longum 35624, can significantly reduce IBS symptoms in young patients. This
Medical News report delves into the details of this groundbreaking study and its implications for the future of IBS treatment in children.
Probiotics Show Promise for Kids with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
What is IBS?
IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a common condition affecting the digestive system. It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities, especially for children and teenagers. IBS is classified as a disorder of gut-brain interaction, meaning that it involves a complex relationship between the gut and the brain.
The Study: An Overview
Researchers conducted an open-label study involving 64 children and adolescents aged 8-18 years who were diagnosed with IBS. The participants took Bifidobacterium longum 35624, a probiotic, once daily for 12 weeks. The study aimed to see if this probiotic could help alleviate their IBS symptoms. Participants were recruited from gastroenterology clinics in Santiago and Coyhaique, Chile.
Study Design and Methods
The study followed a structured approach. Children and adolescents who met the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for IBS and reported at least two episodes of abdominal pain per week were included. Exclusion criteria were stringent to ensure that only those with IBS participated. The probiotic used in the study, marketed as Alflorex®, contains 1 × 10^9 colony-forming units of Bifidobacterium longum 35624 per capsule. The participants took one capsule each morning with a cold drink for 12 weeks.
Significant Improvements Noted
The results were promising. By the end of the 12-week period, nearly all participants (96.6%) experienced significant improvements in their IBS symptoms. The severity of their symptoms, such as abdominal pain and bloating, decreased drastically. Many children reported better bowel habits and less impact on their daily lives. The composite IBS-SSS score, which measures the severity of IBS symptoms, decreased significantly from 334.4 at baseline to 57.6 at week 12.
Understanding Probiotics
Probiotics are "good" bacteria that live in your gut and help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms. They are known for their beneficial effects on digestive health. Bifidobacterium longum 35624, the probiotic used in this study, has been shown to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with IBS. This study is among the first to explore its effects on children and adolescents.
The Role of Vitamin D
Interesti
ngly, the study also looked at the participants' vitamin D levels. Many children in the study had low levels of vitamin D, which is common in individuals with IBS. Despite this deficiency, the probiotic still proved effective. This finding suggests that Bifidobacterium longum 35624 can improve IBS symptoms regardless of vitamin D levels. Serum vitamin D levels were found to be deficient in 54.1% of participants and insufficient in another 40.5%.
Real-World Impact
This study is important because it reflects real-world conditions. It was conducted in a clinical setting, making its findings highly relevant to everyday healthcare. The researchers also noted that the benefits of the probiotic were not permanent; symptoms began to return after stopping the probiotic. This indicates that continuous use might be necessary to maintain the benefits. During a two-week washout period following the intervention, there were significant increases in IBS-SSS scores, indicating a return of symptoms.
What Parents Need to Know
For parents of children with IBS, this study offers a new potential treatment option. Probiotics like Bifidobacterium longum 35624 could be a safe and effective way to manage IBS symptoms. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. This study's findings highlight the importance of ongoing management and monitoring of IBS symptoms.
Future Directions
While the results are promising, more research is needed. A larger, randomized controlled trial could provide more definitive evidence of the probiotic's effectiveness. Additionally, understanding the interaction between probiotics and vitamin D levels could help tailor treatments for individual needs. The study's findings also suggest potential benefits of combining probiotics with vitamin D supplementation.
Conclusion: A Step Forward
In conclusion, the use of Bifidobacterium longum 35624 shows great potential in managing IBS symptoms in children and adolescents. This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of probiotics for digestive health. As research continues, there is hope that these findings will lead to better treatments and improved quality of life for young IBS patients.
This study is a significant step forward in understanding how to manage IBS in children and offers a ray of hope to those struggling with this challenging condition. As more research unfolds, we can look forward to more effective and tailored treatments for IBS, ultimately improving the well-being of many children and their families.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Nutrients.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/12/1967
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/brazilian-study-review-finds-that-probiotic-lactobacilli-has-therapeutic-potential-in-treating-covid-19
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