A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial has found that the multi-strain liquid probiotic Symprove significantly reduced the frequency of constipation, diarrhoea, mucorrhoea and back pain in people with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD).
Diverticular disease becomes increasingly common with age, affecting around one in three adults over the age of 60. Although many people remain symptom-free, others develop persistent gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhoea and bloating, which can have a considerable impact on quality of life. Despite its prevalence, treatment options remain limited and there are currently no standardised treatment recommendations for symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease.
Published in Inflammopharmacology, the randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was led by researchers at Kings College Hospital, London. The three-month study followed 143 adults with moderate-to-severe chronic SUDD, who were randomised to receive either Symprove or placebo. Researchers assessed abdominal pain as the primary endpoint, alongside changes in gastrointestinal symptoms.
The study built on earlier clinical research from the same team, led by Professor Ingvar Bjarnason at King's College Hospital, which demonstrated Symprove was more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The researchers wanted to investigate whether Symprove could also benefit people with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease.
While the primary endpoint of abdominal pain was not met, improvements were seen in both groups. However, participants taking Symprove experienced significant reductions in the frequency of constipation, diarrhoea, mucorrhoea and back pain compared with placebo.
Professor Ingvar Bjarnason, said: “Patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease often experience persistent symptoms that can have a considerable impact on quality of life. We observed significant improvements in the frequency of several clinically relevant symptoms, particularly constipation and diarrhoea, in those receiving Symprove. These findings support further research into the role of the gut microbiome in the management of this condition.”
The findings add to the published evidence supporting the role of the gut microbiome in gastrointestinal health and build on Symprove's existing body of clinical research across a range of digestive conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome.
The full published paper is available in Inflammopharmacology (Kvasnovsky CL, et al. Inflammopharmacology. 2017;24:449-509).
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
