A randomised clinical trial has reported a statistically significant improvement in overall symptoms in adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) following 12 weeks of supplementation with a liquid multi-strain probiotic, Symprove.
IBS is a common gastrointestinal condition associated with symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits, which can have a significant impact on quality of life. The role of the gut microbiome in IBS is increasingly recognised, with researchers investigating how interactions between the host and gut microbiota may influence symptom development.
The 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed the efficacy of Symprove, the liquid multi-strain live and active bacteria supplement, in adults with symptomatic IBS.
The study included 186 adults with IBS, with 152 completing the 12-week trial. The primary efficacy measure was change in IBS Symptom Severity Score, a validated measure of IBS symptoms.
Those taking the probiotic saw a greater reduction in overall IBS symptom severity than those taking placebo, with symptom severity scores falling by an average of 63 points compared with 28 points in the placebo group. Significant difference was shown between Symprove and placebo specifically in abdominal pain and bowel habit satisfaction.
Secondary outcomes included IBS quality of life and individual symptom component scores. The study did not report a significant improvement in IBS quality of life. The probiotic was reported to be well tolerated, with no serious adverse events recorded during the study.
The authors concluded that the multi-strain probiotic was associated with a statistically significant improvement in overall symptom severity in patients with IBS, and that the findings support further investigation.
Lead investigator Prof Ingvar Bjarnason of King’s College Hospital said, “the reduction of IBS symptoms with Symprove shown in this double-blind randomised controlled trial will come as a significant respite for patients”.
The full published paper is available in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics (Sisson G, et al. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2014;40(1):51–62).
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
