Probiotics Highlighted as Solution to Help Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients

In the days preceding Gastro 2009, Institut Rosell-Lallemand gathers leading scientists, key opinion leaders in gastroenterology and representatives of the pharma and healthcare industries for its second International Rosell Partners Exchange dedicated to probiotics and IBS.

20 Nov 2009 --- Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, affects nearly one in five people and will no doubt attract much attention during the Gastro 2009 international conference to be held next week in London. Although the severe impact of IBS on patients’ quality of life and the considerable healthcare costs associated with the disorder are clearly recognized, there is no cure for IBS to date.

Mounting evidence does, however, advocate the potential of certain probiotics as a global approach to improving overall gut function and reducing IBS symptoms in patients. The Lactobacillus plantarum 299v strain, which is backed by over twenty scientific publications, is one of these probiotics. In fact, several clinical trials have proven its efficacy in alleviating multiple symptoms in IBS patients, such as abdominal pain and bloating. Institut Rosell-Lallemand is looking forward to presenting these studies as well as other scientifically documented probiotic solutions at its Booth 40 at Gastro 2009, taking place November 21-25, 2009, in London ExCeL.

In the days preceding Gastro 2009, Institut Rosell-Lallemand gathers leading scientists, key opinion leaders in gastroenterology and representatives of the pharma and healthcare industries for its second International Rosell Partners Exchange dedicated to probiotics and IBS. This seminar, Chaired by Dr. Stephen Collins, offers scientific updates on IBS and the role of probiotics, followed by a panel discussion Chaired by Pr. Philippe Marteau addressing the use of probiotics for IBS in clinical practice. Gastro 2009 will thus be the perfect opportunity to report on this seminar and offer a fresh view on the potential of probiotics in the management of IBS.

Probiotics are defined by FAO/WHO as: "Live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host." Each probiotic strain is unique and exhibits particular effects in the gut resulting in certain health benefits. The modes of action and set of benefits for IBS patients of the particular Lactobacillus plantarum 299v strain have been extensively documented, with over 20 scientific papers published. For example, a placebo-controlled randomized study has shown that intestinal discomfort was improved by up to 95% in patients (compared to 15% with placebo), while abdominal pain and bloating were also significantly decreased. L. plantarum 299v was originally selected by Swedish biotech company, Probi AB, and an exclusive licensing agreement covering the dietary supplement market was signed with Institut Rosell-Lallemand at the end of 2003.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by abdominal pain, bloating and irregular bowel function. It affects an estimated 10-20% of the western world’s population and has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Indeed, while not a life-threatening condition, several studies have shown that IBS’ deleterious effect on quality of life was equal to or greater than that seen in certain serious chronic medical conditions, such as Type II diabetes or asthma etc.

While there is no single therapeutic solution for IBS, the range of symptoms and factors associated with this disorder suggests that treatment should be multi-factorial, starting with changes in dietary and lifestyle habits. The use of symptomatic therapeutics as well as anti-depressants can help relieve some of the symptoms, but there is a lack of evidence regarding their efficiency at a global level. Increasingly, scientific and clinical results advocate the potential of specific probiotic strains and formulations as a more g