Design and Duration: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for eight weeks, preceded by a 4-week run-in period and followed by a 4-week washout period to assess symptoms post-treatment. Participants: 75 volunteers, ages 18-73 years (average 44.3 years) who fit the Rome II criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)--diagnosis based on the presence for 12 weeks (not necessarily consecutive) during the past year of abdominal discomfort or pain and two out of three of the following symptoms: relieved with defecation, onset associated with a change in frequency of stool, and onset associated with a change in stool appearance. Symptoms that cumulatively support the diagnosis of IBS are [less than or equal to]3 bowel, movements per week; >3 bowel movements per day; hard or lumpy stools; loose or watery stools; straining during defecation; urgency; incomplete evacuation of bowels; mucus in stools; and a sensation of abdominal fullness, bloating or swelling. Subclassification of IBS determined that 28% were diarrhea predominant, 26% constipation dominant, and 45% alternated between constipation and diarrhea. Twenty-five percent were smokers, and 88% drank alcohol. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other organic gastrointestinal diseases were ruled out, as were "significant systemic diseases." Excluded from the study were pregnant women; people with lactose intolerance or immunodeficiency; and previous abdominal surgery, except for hernia repair and appendectomy. Study Medication and Dosage: Volunteers were randomized to receive 1 X [10.sup.10] cfu (colony forming units) of Lactobacillus salivarius subspecies salivarius UCC4331 or Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in a malted milk drink or placebo q.d. Probiotic species were originally isolated from the ileocolic region of an adult human; were nonpathogenic; were resistant to intestinal acid and bile; and demonstrated the ability to adhere to epithelial cells, to transiently colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, and to be metabolically active. Outcome Measures: IBS symptoms were assessed based on volunteer diary cards, which were collected at weekly appointments. Three categories of symptoms were evaluated--abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating or distension, and bowel movement difficulty or urgency--using a 7-point ordinal scale (Likert scale*) and a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Changes in quality of life were determined at baseline and at the end of the treatment washout periods by a questionnaire that asked about dysphoria, interference with activity, body image, health worry, food avoidance, social reaction, sexual function, and relationship impact. Hematology (CBC, blood chemistry) and quantitative immunoglobulins were tested at the initial evaluation and the conclusion of the study. Stool and peripheral blood samples were collected at the time of randomization and after treatment and analyzed for fecal flora analysis and interleukin 10 (IL-10) and IL-12p40 cytokine levels, respectively. Key Findings: The composite Likert score was significantly lower for those treated with B. infantis 35624 compared to placebo (p<0.05) p="0.05)." p="0.003)." p="0.001)," href="http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDL/is_3_12/ai_n17211120/pg_3?tag=content;col1">http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDL/is_3_12/ai_n17211120/pg_3?tag=content;col1 Bifidobacterium is among the friendly microorganisms that have been shown to alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Antibiotics disrupt the balance of natural intestinal flora. The use of probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium restores the population of beneficial bacteria. At birth a baby's gastrointestinal tract is sterile. The baby gets its first taste of bacteria while moving through the birthing canal and through breast milk. Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compounds. These organic compounds include lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid that increase the acidity of the intestine and curb the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. Dietary supplementation of Bifidobacterium bifidum encourages resistance to intestinal infections. It has resulted in synthesis of B-complex vitamins and absorption of calcium. Bifidobacterium bifidum also helps improve symptoms of diarrhea and constipation. Bifidobacterium infantis is found in the intestines of infants and adults. It is also present in the vaginal tract. This probiotic bacterium is a specific inhabitant of the large intestine where it can be found in high concentration among infants. This species of Bifidobacterium is predominant in the feces of breast-fed infants. Like other Bifidobacteria species, this organism can produce acids that may retard the colonization of certain foreign or harmful bacteria in the colon. Research suggests that the presence of Bifidobacterium infantis in the colon helps reduce the incidence of infantile diarrhea. Common synonyms for this species are Bifidobacterium lactentis, Bifidobacterium liberorum, and Actinomyces parabifidus. Try Växa's Homeopathic Medicinal ReFlora+ that contains a special complex of 10 different beneficial bacteria and other nutrients, to help the body restore healthy bacterial flora. The ingredients in this homeopathic formula have been shown to: Help destroy putrefactive bacteria (the "bad" bacteria) within the lower tract Help remove toxins from the lower tract and disable possibly carcinogenic bacteria Help normalize intestinal pH Help repair damage to the digestive tract http://www.vaxa.com/bifidobacterium.cfm
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