Synbiotic and Butyrate Formula May Relieve IBS Symptoms: Study

A recent clinical study found that a combination formula featuring a synbiotic formulation of pre- and probiotics, as well as a microencapsulated sodium butyrate, was able to confer benefits to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms, in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. The supplement formulation was developed by dsm-firmenich, which also supported the study.

IBS impacts an estimated 20% of adults, depending on region and diagnostic criteria, and is characterized by abdominal discomfort such as cramping, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. Pre- and probiotic solutions present a promising strategy if they can eliminate gut dysbiosis, an imbalance of the gut microbiota which is thought to trigger IBS. Recent findings also suggest that butyrate and short-chain fatty acids can maintain intestinal balance, which is also relevant to the pathogenesis of IBS.

The formulation by dsm-firmenich contained five previously-tested probiotic strains (Lactocaseibacillus rhamnosus DSM 26357, Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 32418, Bifidobacterium longum DSM 32946, Bifidobacterium bifidum DSM 32403, and Bifidobacterium lactis DSM 32269), along with short-chain fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and microencapsulated sodium butyrate.

In the 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 120 adults with IBS, researchers evaluated outcomes using a variety of questionnaires such as the IBS-Adequate Relief, IBS-Global Improvement Scale, IBS Symptom Severity Score, and IBS-Quality of Life tests.

At 4 weeks, there was a higher percentage of patients in the biotic group reporting adequate relief of symptoms (64.7% versus 42%). At 12 weeks, fewer patients in the biotic group reported ‘worsening of symptoms’ than in the placebo group (5.9% versus 16%). At week 12, there was a significant reduction in ‘urgency to defecate’ in the biotic group versus placebo. The biotic mixture was safe and well-tolerated among the participants.

According to dsm-firmenich, the addition of sodium butyrate to the previously tested synbiotic formula enabled lower efficacious dosages of the probiotics and FOS than if the synbiotic was used alone. By reducing the dosage, the supplement can be delivered in a capsule formula as opposed to sachets.

“While the mechanisms of IBS aren’t fully understood, we know that people with IBS experience notable changes in gut microbiota composition compared to healthy individuals. That’s why we’re committed to expanding the clinical research behind synbiotics and postbiotics for gut health,” said Robert E. Steinert, PhD, principal scientist at dsm-firmenich and senior author of the study. “With this new science behind our belt, and Humiome-powered product concepts ready to go, we’re set to collaborate with customers to create next-generation gut health solutions.”