PROBIOTICS SUPPLEMENTATION IN THE TREATMENT OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

Abstract

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder, characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and changes in intestinal transit. Certain probiotics are capable of promoting several gastrointestinal benefits and, for this reason, probiotic supplementation has been investigated as an alternative in the treatment of various diseases and alterations of the digestive system, including IBS. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze probiotic supplementation as an alternative to help treat IBS patients. The methodology adopted was an integrative literature review, with a qualitative approach, in the form of exploratory research. The data was obtained from scientific articles searched in the PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar databases. Of the ten studies analyzed, 80% reported significant efficacy results, 10% presented positive results, but with small efficacy, and 10% did not identify positive results in the group treated with probiotics compared to the control group. The results found in the present review indicated that interventions based on probiotic supplementation can be effective in the treatment of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), however the effectiveness directly depends on the probiotic strain, as well as the dose used.