A real-world study involving more than 1,200 people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or IBS-like symptoms has reported improvements in digestive symptoms and quality of life following four or more weeks of probiotic supplementation.
IBS is a common and often challenging condition to manage, with many patients continuing to experience symptoms despite conventional treatments. Symprove has previously demonstrated efficacy in IBS in a double-blind, randomised controlled trial conducted by gastroenterologists at King’s College Hospital. This new study was designed to explore how a probiotic performs in a real-world setting.
The study evaluated the effects of Symprove, the multi-strain live and active bacteria supplement, in people with medically diagnosed IBS as well as those experiencing IBS-like symptoms. Data were collected retrospectively from individuals completing an online questionnaire in a real-world setting.
Over 1,200 people were included in the final analysis. More than half had received a formal diagnosis of IBS, while the remainder reported IBS-like symptoms. Around six in ten participants had been living with symptoms for more than five years.
After twelve weeks of supplementation, more than 90% of participants in both groups reported either complete resolution or some improvement in symptoms. Significant improvements were reported in abdominal pain, bloating, urgency and bowel habit satisfaction, alongside improvements in quality of life.
Bloating emerged as the symptom participants found most troublesome. Among those who had previously been prescribed or recommended medication for their symptoms, around two-thirds reported reducing the amount they used following supplementation.
A small number of participants reported a temporary worsening of symptoms, most of which resolved within two weeks.
The authors concluded this study provides evidence for the beneficial effect of Symprove in individuals with IBS or IBS-like symptoms and should be considered in the integrated management of patients with IBS in primary and secondary care.
The full published paper is available in the Journal of Primary Care and General Practice (Rudland S & Bjarnason I. Journal of Primary Care and General Practice. 2021;4(4).90-97).
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
