Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both. It is estimated to affect about 10-20% of the global population, with a higher prevalence among children and adolescents. The pathophysiology of IBS is multifactorial and involves alterations in the gut microbiota, visceral hypersensitivity, and abnormal gastrointestinal motility. Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that provide health benefits when administered in adequate amounts, have emerged as a potential therapeutic option for IBS due to their ability to modulate the gut microbiota and exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
Several studies have shown the beneficial effects of probiotics in adult IBS patients; however, few studies have been conducted in the pediatric population.
Thus, the investigators designed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study evaluating the efficacy and safety of a 12-week probiotic treatment with a blend of 5 strains of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria in pediatric patients with Irritative Bowel syndrome.