Probiotic is safe and effective for irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A probiotic product shows promise in treating irritable bowel syndrome and other inflammatory gut conditions.
Probiotics are products containing so-called 'friendly' bacteria, which can help to normalize the bacterial population of the gut. This, in turn, may have a beneficial effect in inflammatory disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis and pouchitis. Based on recent work from the Mayo Clinic, a panel of experts has said that the probiotic VSL#3 is safe for IBS and associated conditions.

The probiotic works by colonizing the gut with friendly bacteria; these adhere to the walls and form a barrier that can protect from 'bad' bacteria which would otherwise cause inflammation. The recent research has shown that bowel control, including diarrhea, is improved with VSL#3 compared to treatment with placebo. Few side effects were noted, and Dr Jay Marks, a gastroenterologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, says that patients and their physicians should be aware that probiotics can be helpful in IBS and pouchitis.

Source
Chamberlain Communications 18th August 2006

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