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Clinical Summary

Irritable bowel syndrome: Saccharomyces improves pain and stool consistency

Takeaway

  • As an adjunct for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 may be useful.

Why this matters

  • Derived from baker’s yeast, S cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 has documented prokinetic, antiinflammatory, and analgesic properties.

Key results

  • Abdominal pain score reduction at 8 weeks vs baseline, Saccharomyces vs placebo groups: 1.708±0.92 vs 0.45±0.697; P<.001.
    • Similar trends in subgroups with mixed and with diarrhoea- and constipation-predominant IBS.
  • Stool consistency improvements at 8 weeks vs baseline:
    • Diarrhoea-predominant IBS (baseline Bristol score about 6 in both groups): −1.728±0.859 vs −0.483±0.688 (P=.001).
    • Constipation-predominant IBS (baseline Bristol score about 2 in both groups): +1.97±0.994 vs +0.80±1.135 (P=.015).

Study design

  • Single-centre 10-week prospective randomised controlled study of 100 adults newly diagnosed with IBS.
  • Along with 2 weeks of standard therapy, participants were randomly assigned to add S cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 (2 billion CFU twice daily) vs placebo for 8 weeks.
  • Outcomes: changes in abdominal pain (measured on 0-7 Likert scale; 7 is severe pain), stool consistency (Bristol stool scale; 1 is constipated, 7 diarrhoea).
  • Funding: None disclosed.

Limitations

  • Short duration.

References


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