Who Uses VSL#3®?
The probiotic medical food for the dietary management of Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or an Ileal Pouch
The human gastrointestinal (GI) system is populated by thousands of billions of beneficial bacteria that act as a protective barrier throughout the GI system. These bacteria perform a variety of important biochemical functions from enhancing the protective intestinal barrier to modulating intestinal inflammation and reducing colonic permeability.
Under some conditions the number of pathogenic ("bad") bacteria in a person’s intestines can begin to outnumber the good bacteria. Numerous studies have implicated the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria in certain intestinal disorders.21,40 Studies have shown that patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or an ileal pouch tend to have a decreased concentration of beneficial bacteria.4,14,52 This deficiency could lead to more flare-ups and issues with diarrhea, frequency, and urgency.
VSL#3® is the only medical food that can restore beneficial intestinal bacteria in UC, IBS and pouch patients with optimal quantities and types of beneficial bacteria.
Ulcerative Colitis Patients – Several published studies have showed that daily ingestion of VSL#3® can aid in the dietary management of ulcerative colitis (UC).3,63,66
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome – Patients involved in two double blind placebo-controlled trials reported satisfactory relief of gas and bloating associated with IBS.33,68,69
Patients with an Ileal Pouch – VSL#3® has been recognized by the American College of Gastroenterology Practice Parameter as a tool for the dietary management of pouchitis. Three double-blind, placebo controlled trials have shown that VSL#3® is important for the dietary management of pouchitis. 19,20,44
Other Studies – Read other studies discussing the use of probiotics and VSL#3® for the dietary management of serious intestinal disorders.
