Research ArticlesProbiotic food supplement reduces stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in volunteers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial
Introduction
Stressful life events play an important role in the genesis and development of functional symptoms [1], altering well-being and quality of life [2], [3]. These events produce various symptoms, including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, social, and psychological. There is a strong correlation between gastrointestinal disorders and psychosocial factors [4]. Gastrointestinal functions can be altered or modulated by different stressful life events [1], [5]. In patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stress produces diarrhea and constipation through the modification of gastrointestinal motility [5], [6], [7]. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as visceral pain, flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation, are associated with stressful psychosocial events [8], [9], [10], [11]. Moreover, the level of chronic stress predicts clinical outcome in patients with IBS and increases the severity of their symptoms [12].
The probiotic concept evolved from a hypothesis first proposed by Russian scientist Elie Metchnikoff in 1908. Investigations in the probiotic field during the past several decades, however, have expanded beyond bacteria isolated from fermented dairy products to those of intestinal origin. Now, probiotics have been defined as nonpathogenic microorganisms that, when ingested, exert a positive influence on host health or physiology. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are important components of normal intestinal microflora in people of all ages. Lactobacilli also improve lactose tolerance, increase intestinal peristalsis, and accelerate bowel evacuation. Finally, probiotics can alter the volume and/or composition of stool and gas [13] or increase intestinal mucus secretion [14], effects that could influence intestinal handling of its contents and thus modulate symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea. Some evidence in existing literature has generated interest in the consumption of probiotics to relieve gastrointestinal diseases [15]. The interaction between host and commensal microbes can offer important health benefits. This has led to commercial and public interest in probiotics (live microbes principally taken as food supplements). Although the overall impact of probiotics on gastrointestinal symptoms remains unclear, recent studies have shown that lactobacilli prevent visceral pain and stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity in rats [16], [17]. However, there has been, as of yet, few data available on the effects of probiotics on stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in humans.
Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a probiotic preparation (Probio-Stick; Lallemand SAS, Saint-Simon, France) on stress-induced gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms in volunteers.
Section snippets
Methods and materials
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was conducted over a 3-week period in healthy volunteers with symptoms of stress (n = 75).
Results
A total of 75 healthy volunteers (38 ± 11 years) have been included at visil 1 (V1): 21 males (28%) and 54 females (72%). The ITT analysis was performed on all patients (n = 75) who underwent randomization and took the product (placebo or probiotics; Fig. 1). At the end of the study, 72 participants had completed the trial (4% exited from the study). Eight participants (3 males, 5 females) were not included in the final analysis for noncompliance with the protocol (Fig. 1). Finally, the
Discussion
The findings of our study indicate that the combination of probiotics (Probio-Stick: L acidophilus Rosell-52 and B longum Rosell-175) improves stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Furthermore, this treatment was well tolerated and no side effects were noted. The safety of probiotics (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) that have been used traditionally in food has been confirmed through extensive experience [20], [21]. In our study, flatulence and
Acknowledgment
This study was sponsored by Lallemand SAS, Blagnac, France.
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