Effectiveness of Broad-Spectrum Probiotics in Reducing Symptoms and Improving Quality of Life in Adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abali Wandala; Manahil Monis; Azzah Khadim Hussain; Maria Hashim; Rafia Haider; Mohammed Ali Yassin Malallah; Roheen Khalid; Noor Ayman Khalil Salim Nawas Abukhater

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i3.822

Authors

Abali Wandala Mission Vascular & Vein Institute, Mission, USA.
Manahil Monis Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Azzah Khadim Hussain Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
Maria Hashim Ziauddin University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
Rafia Haider Shifa College of Medicine/ Shifa International Islamabad, Pakistan.
Mohammed Ali Yassin Malallah University of Sharjah, UAE.
Roheen Khalid University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
Noor Ayman Khalil Salim Nawas Abukhater Thumbay University Hospital, UAE.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i3.822

Keywords:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Probiotics, Gut Microbiota, Meta-analysis, Quality of Life

Abstract

Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, significantly impairing patients’ quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that gut dysbiosis plays a central role in IBS pathophysiology, with probiotics offering a potential therapeutic approach. However, inconsistent findings across studies highlight the need for a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of broad-spectrum probiotics in IBS management. Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of broad-spectrum probiotics in reducing IBS symptoms and improving quality of life in adults. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating broad-spectrum probiotics in IBS management. Studies assessing symptom severity, quality of life, and hospitalization rates with a minimum intervention duration of eight weeks were included. Data were extracted on study characteristics, intervention details, and clinical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using random-effects models to compute pooled effect sizes, odds ratios, and heterogeneity indices. Results: Eight RCTs comprising 2,575 participants met the inclusion criteria. Broad-spectrum probiotics significantly reduced IBS symptom severity compared to placebo (effect size range: -1.2 to -0.8, p < 0.01) and improved patient-reported quality of life (IBS-QOL score improvements). Subgroup analysis indicated that diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) patients, multi-strain probiotics, and longer treatment durations were associated with greater symptom relief. Heterogeneity ranged from 30% to 60%, and publication bias was identified but did not significantly alter the results after adjustment. Conclusion: This meta-analysis supports broad-spectrum probiotics as an effective IBS therapy, highlighting multi-strain, high-dose, long-duration benefits. Further large-scale RCTs needed.

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