Researchers have explored whether the multi-strain liquid probiotic Symprove could help improve gastrointestinal symptoms in children with severe recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB-S), a rare inherited skin condition that is often associated with severe constipation and other gastrointestinal problems.
Published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, the independent 12-week case series was carried out by researchers at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Four children aged between seven and 14 years were recruited, with three completing the study.
People with severe RDEB-S often experience chronic constipation, abdominal pain and bloating alongside frequent antibiotic use, all of which can disrupt the gut microbiome and have a significant impact on quality of life. Building on previous research showing Symprove could improve symptoms in conditions including irritable bowel syndrome and symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease, the researchers wanted to investigate whether it could also help children with RDEB-S.
Before taking Symprove, all three children who completed the study reported constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and poor appetite. After 12 weeks, all three reported improvements in abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, stool consistency, stool frequency, flatulence and appetite.
Two of the three children were able to reduce their daily macrogol treatment, while the third no longer needed macrogol by the end of the study. All three said they would choose to continue taking Symprove.
The authors conclude that Symprove may improve stool consistency and reduce the need for long-term laxative use in children with severe recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, while noting that larger placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
The full published paper is available in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology (Yerlett N, et al. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 2022;48(3):188-192).
About Symprove:
Symprove is the UK's No.1 live and active bacteria supplement*.
Founded in 1986, Symprove has spent decades investing in independent scientific research to help build a better understanding of the gut microbiome and the role it plays in overall health.
Unlike many supplements, Symprove's unique water-based formula is designed to deliver live and active bacteria to the gut, where they can have the greatest impact. It contains four strains of live and active bacteria, is suitable for everyday use and is free from dairy, gluten and artificial additives.
Today, Symprove is available on subscription from symprove.com and at leading UK retailers including Tesco, Boots, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Superdrug, and Holland & Barrett.
For more information, visit www.symprove.com.
For samples or more information, please get in touch with press@symprove.com or call 01252 413 600.
* Source Euromonitor International Ltd; Consumer Health 2026ed., Symprove retail value sales, UK 2025 data
