Webinar preview: Chr. Hansen spotlights its Clepius L. plantarum probiotic solution for IBS-D

17 Nov 2023 --- The incidence of digestive problems and gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs) are on the rise globally, and some of those suffering from GIDs have reported that symptoms can wreak havoc on day-to-day life. Additionally, the increasing prevalence presents unique challenges for nutraceutical and supplement producers.

Ahead of Chr. Hansen’s upcoming webinar titled, “Naturally relieve loose stools and digestive distress with probiotics,” we look at some of the science behind the company’s latest probiotic offering, Clepius L. plantarum (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum), and its potential for action along the gut-brain axis.

According to the company, the global prevalence of GIDs has reached 33%, underscoring the need for options to help manage symptoms.

Focus on functional GIDs
Scientific evidence has long linked many GIDs with stress — irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) being the most common. 

Dr. Christopher Martoni, the principal clinical development scientist at Chr. Hansen’s Human Health division and a presenter at the upcoming webinar recently detailed some of the symptoms involved in IBS to Nutrition Insight.

Dr. Martoni noted that several factors, such as stress, dietary habits, infection or even muscle contractions can trigger symptoms of IBS, which include stomach pain, bloating, gas and inconsistent bowel habits. He also revealed that these issues can lead to a diminished quality of life and potentially contribute to mood disorders in individuals with IBS. 

Furthermore, a recent European forum on the subject noted that, specifically with people suffering from diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D), over 80% of patients also suffer from anxiety or depression, however, Chr. Hansen is set to explain the science behind how Clepius L. plantarum can help mitigate symptoms.

Science-backed results
A recent study on the efficacy of Clepius L. plantarum was published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology. The researchers evaluated the probiotic’s effectiveness in treating adults with IBS-D with promising results. 

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center and dose-ranging study involved 307 adults aged 18–70 who met the criteria for IBS-D, including recurrent abdominal pain and altered stool habits — in this case, with a pattern of loose stools.

Participants were allocated to receive either a placebo or one of two dosages of L. plantarum over eight weeks. The doses used were one billion colony-forming units (CFUs) or 10 billion CFUS and the primary outcome measured was the change in the IBS severity scoring system (IBS-SSS) total score after the eight-week intervention.

An important point
The study found significant reductions in IBS-SSS scores in participants receiving both dosages of L. plantarum, with the higher dose showing a greater effect. Additionally, improvements were observed in sub-scores related to abdominal pain, abdominal distension, bowel habits, and quality of life. 

The study further highlights that, notably, a higher percentage of participants in the L. plantarum groups experienced improvements in stool consistency compared to the placebo group, yet, there were no significant changes in participants’ microbial diversity.

The researchers note that one of the unique factors of the study is the dose-ranging assessment of the L. plantarum probiotic strain in a controlled clinical trial, which showed that it was well tolerated by participants and showed significant improvements in global IBS symptoms, abdominal pain severity, quality of life and normalization of diarrheal stool type compared to placebo.

To learn more about the science behind this innovative probiotic, register to watch Chr. Hansen’s webinar taking place on Tuesday, November 21, at 15:00 CET.

By William Bradford Nichols