A Randomized Clinical Trial of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Versus Placebo in the Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Background: We aimed to evaluate clinical symptoms in subjects with irritable bowel syndrome receiving Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Methods: 347 adults with irritable bowel syndrome (Rome III criteria) were randomized to receive twice daily 1000 mg of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, delivered by two tablets for four-week n=177 age: 35 #xB1; 15, or placebo n=170 age: 35 #xB1; 15 for 4 weeks. Ibs symptoms (Abdominal pain/discomfort, bloating/ distension, bowel movement difficulty) and changes in stool frequency and consistency were recorded daily and assessed each week. A safety assessment was carried out throughout the study. Result: The proportion of responders, defined by an improvement of I.b.s symptoms (abdominal pain/ discomfort, bloating/distension, bowel movement difficulty) and changes in stool, was significantly higher (p value lt; 0.001) in the treated group than the placebo group (130 vs 47), (73.4% vs 27.64%).