Research backs dsm-firmenich’s synbiotic-butyrate supplement for IBS symptom relief

A recent clinical study reveals promising results for a next-generation synbiotic supplement combined with microencapsulated sodium butyrate to manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. According to the research, adults with IBS say they experienced symptom relief in four weeks, reinforcing the potential of biotic-based interventions in gastrointestinal health.

Published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, the study evaluated the impact of a mixture of microencapsulated sodium butyrate, probiotics (Lactocaseibacillus rhamnosus DSM 26357, Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 32418, Bifidobacterium longum DSM 32946, Bifidobacterium bifidum DSM 32403, and Bifidobacterium lactis DSM 32269), and short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOSs) in IBS patients.

The findings show that this combination enhances efficacy, allows for a reduced dosage of probiotics and prebiotics, and enables convenient capsule delivery formats rather than bulky sachets.

“This is the first study to investigate the combined benefits of microencapsulated sodium butyrate and a synbiotic preparation to manage IBS symptoms,” says Dr. Robert E. Steinert, the principal scientist at dsm-firmenich HNC (health, nutrition, and care) and an author of the study.

“The findings revealed that this combination has the potential to represent a safe, fast, and effective approach to easing gastrointestinal discomfort in just four weeks — offering new hope for people with IBS. With more options available, individuals are more likely to find a solution that works for them.”

Dr. Robert E. Steinert, the principal scientist at dsm-firmenich HNC.

Low dosage and convenient formats

According to dsm-firmenich, IBS affects up to 20% of adults worldwide and is characterized by abdominal discomfort, bloating, cramping, and altered bowel habits. Gut dysbiosis is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor, making biotic solutions — including prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics like butyrate — a focus of recent research.

The study examined the effects of the company’s proprietary blend of the five probiotic strains, including strains from its Humiome biotics portfolio, a low dose of short-chain scFOS, and 300 mg of microencapsulated sodium butyrate. The 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involved 120 adults diagnosed with IBS.

“Typically, supplements containing probiotics and prebiotics like short-chain scFOSs require relatively high doses to be effective, which often limits formulation options and leads to less convenient formats such as bulky sachets or ready-to-mix powders (RTM),” Steinert explains. “The reduction in dosage — and overall ingredient volume — makes it possible to deliver the supplement and benefits in a user-friendly capsule format, rather than traditional sachets.”

“Capsules offer greater convenience, portability, and ease of use, especially for those managing a long-term condition like IBS. Overall, this supports compliance, as people are more likely to stick with a daily supplement that easily fits into their routine.”

Future applications

dsm-firmenich underscores the promising effects of the synbiotic supplement in managing digestive symptoms. The research reveals that nearly 65% of participants taking the supplement reported IBS symptom relief compared to 42% in the placebo group.Many participants reported symptom relief in four weeks.

Additionally, the benefits were fast and long-lasting. By week twelve, just 5.9% of the synbiotic group experienced worsening symptoms, compared to 16% in the placebo group.

Participants also reported a marked improvement in bowel urgency, with a statistically significant reduction that suggests meaningful support for those struggling with gut discomfort. These findings underscore the supplement’s potential as an effective, sustained approach to gastrointestinal symptom management.

“Following the successful clinical validation of this innovative blend of microencapsulated butyrate, probiotics, and scFOSs, the next step is to collaborate with our customers to translate these findings into commercially available solutions,” Steinert emphasizes. “We’re now working to bring this safe and effective ingredient composition to market in a convenient, consumer-friendly format.”

“Looking ahead, we are eager to understand the effects of this unique biotic mixture across the four subtypes of IBS, which are IBS with predominant constipation, IBS with predominant diarrhea, IBS with mixed bowel habits, and unclassified,” he concludes. “This could open the door to more tailored, effective strategies for symptom management.”