Probiotics for IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is heterogenous. The strain you need depends on your primary symptom.
Choosing the right strain for IBS
IBS presents as IBS-D (diarrhea), IBS-C (constipation), or IBS-M (mixed). No single probiotic fixes all three.
Strains with the Best Evidence
| Strain | Best For | Clinical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 | Global symptoms, Bloating | Strongest single-strain data for reducing abdominal pain and bloating in female IBS patients. |
| Lactobacillus plantarum 299v | Pain, Flatulence | Significant reduction in gas and pain; highly resilient to stomach acid. |
| Saccharomyces boulardii | IBS-D | Actually a beneficial yeast, not a bacteria. Excellent for diarrhea-predominant IBS. |
FAQ
Will probiotics cure my IBS?
No. Probiotics are a management tool. They offer symptomatic relief while taken, but symptoms typically return a few weeks after cessation if underlying dietary or lifestyle factors aren't addressed.