A probiotic strain and its heat-treated postbiotic version both significantly improved IBS symptom severity in a recent study

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A recently published study¹ investigated the impacts of a branded probiotic (Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347) from ADM, and a heat-treated postbiotic version of the same strain on diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 200 participants were divided into three groups who received either two capsules of the probiotic, postbiotic, or placebo, once daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome investigated was the change in IBS-Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) score from baseline, compared to placebo, while the secondary outcomes were measures in stool consistency, quality of life, abdominal pain severity and anxiety scores.

Results showed that the change of IBS-SSS score from baseline compared to placebo was significantly decreased in both the probiotic and postbiotic groups on days 28, 56, and 84. Changes in secondary outcome, including quality of life, pain, and anxiety were also significant compared to placebo after 84 days for the probiotic and postbiotic group.

“The findings from this robust three-arm clinical trial build upon the growing body of evidence showing how supporting the health of the gut microbiome can address aspects of a person’s health and well-being, including digestive health,” said Richard Day, MBBS, vice president of medical affairs and clinical development for ADM, in a press release. “Taken together with the already extensive preclinical data generated for these two microbiome solution products, this manuscript adds to the already strong scientific dossier for [Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347] and [its heat-treated postbiotic version]. And crucially, this is the first clinical trial to be published using the pioneering [heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347].”

Among the advantages of the postbiotic, says ADM, is its resilience to a range of formulation environments, maintaining functionality even at high hear or water content. This is because there is no concern about killing life organisms, like one would for probiotics.

Reference

1. Srivastava, S.; Basak, U.; Naghibi, M.; Vijayakumar, V.; Parihar, R.; Patel, J.; Jadon, P.S.; Dargad, R.R.; Khanna, S. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of live Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (ES1) and heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (HT-ES1) in participants with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Gut Microbes. 2024, 16 (1). DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2338322