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VSL#3® and IBS

VSL#3® and IBS

VSL#3® and IBS Symptom Relief

VSL#3® and IBS Symptom Relief

In a March 2022 survey of gastroenterologists, 93% of respondents stated that their patients with IBS were satisfied with VSL#3®.1 The following were the top symptom improvements observed by the doctors: 

  • Less bloating 
  • Overall symptom improvement 
  • Less pain 
  • Better stool frequency, less diarrhea

VSL#3®, IBS and the Low FODMAP Diet

Ever heard of FODMAPs? FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. Essentially, these are types of carbs that your small intestine finds a bit tricky to absorb. Foods that contain FODMAPs include dairy (milk, ice cream, yogurt, more), many fruits (apples, bananas, peaches, watermelon, cherries, coconut, pineapple, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, avocado, more), vegetables (broccoli, eggplant, sweet corn, sweet potato, green beans, cabbage, celery, chilis, onions, mushrooms, more), and grains (wheat, barley, rye and more).

For some folks, munching on foods rich in FODMAPs can lead to uncomfortable digestive issues like cramping, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and gas. These symptoms often go hand-in-hand with conditions like IBS.

A low FODMAP diet is a popular approach to managing IBS symptoms; however, it is restrictive and eliminates some staple foods. As a result, some on the diet may be at risk of reduced intake of key nutrients like fiber, iron, zinc, B and D vitamins and natural antioxidants. The long-term impact of such a diet is poorly understood, and the drastic reduction of FODMAP consumption could have consequences on your metabolism and intestinal microbiota2. In addition, adherence to a LOW FODMAP diet can be difficult. But, there is an alternative!

VSL#3® - a low FODMAP alternative

VSL#3® - a low FODMAP alternative

In a 2021 clinical study, it was found that VSL#3® worked well as an alternative to the low FODMAP diet.3 The study showed that VSL#3® supplementation achieved a comparable median reduction in IBS symptoms as a low FODMAP diet, as measured by the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS). Furthermore, it helped achieve symptom control in 80% of low FODMAP diet-failure patients. VSL#3® can be considered as an alternative or supplement to a low FODMAP diet.
1

IBS & Dairy

If you're looking for a product to help with the dietary management of IBS, consider a dairy-free probiotic formula, like the one found in VSL#3®.

2

Dairy products are a common trigger food for people with IBS. This is because dairy products contain lactose, a sugar that some have trouble digesting. When people don't produce enough lactase, the intestinal enzyme that breaks down lactose, they can't fully digest it. This can cause gas, bloating, diarrhea, and other symptoms known as lactose intolerance.4

1

Data on File

2

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9030292

3

https://doi.org/10.2196/30291

4

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163662