Probiotics for irritable bowel syndrome

Probiotics are beneficial for some patients with IBS, but there is little evidence to guide the choice of probiotic and the patients most likely to benefit. The best evidence to date, albeit weak, is for Bifidobacterium species, which are available commercially (usually in combination products) from pharmacies or health food stores. If probiotics are used, the recommended duration of therapy is 4 weeksMoayyedi, 2019.

Probiotics are generally safe but may aggravate symptoms in some patients. Probiotics should not be used in patients who are critically ill or immunocompromised.