A 2-strain mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background In the absence of a well-established therapeutic approach, patients with irritable bowel syndrome seek alternative strategies such as probiotics. Aims The current trial named LAPIBSS aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of a 2-strain mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus to improve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Methods Eighty patients diagnosed for irritable bowel syndrome were recruited to a multicentre, double-blinded, in parallel groups, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Patients were provided with a daily dose of two capsules containing either probiotics (5 × 109 cfu/capsule) or placebo for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was abdominal pain score assessed with a 100-mm visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes included scores of bloating, flatus and rumbling assessed with a 100-mm visual analogue scale, a composite score and bowel habits. Results Abdominal pain score was significantly improved in both groups at weeks 4 and 8 (P  Conclusions The consumption of the 2-strain mixture of L. acidophilus over 8 weeks is safe and decreases significantly flatus and composite scores. Trial registration number EudraCT No 2008 A00844-51.