Grażyna Kołodziej, Radosław Jerzy Balwierz, Karol Jasiński, Marcin Osowski, Dawid Bursy

The role of active ingredients contained in dietary supplements and probiotics used in the Irritable Bowel Syndrome
2021-01-05

The role of active ingredients contained in dietary supplements and probiotics used in the Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common diseases of the digestive system. In recent years, there has been a steady increase in the incidence of this illness, and it is estimated that the disease may now affect up to 20% of the adult population in highly developed countries. The symptoms of the disease are extremely bothersome, which significantly affects the quality of life of patients, thus preventing them from functioning normally. In 2016, the Rome IV criteria were published, to provide a diagnostic tool enabling the diagnosis of IBS.

The disease requires multidirectional treatment due to its complex and unknown etiology. Among the pathogenetic factors predisposing to the development of the disease are disorders of the cerebral-intestinal axis, visceral sensation, and motor function of the intestines. Psychogenetic factors, dysbiosis, and past gastrointestinal infections are also important.

Irritable bowel syndrome comes in several forms that may change over the course and treatment of the disease. Defining and correctly classifying the form of the disease on the basis of the dominant symptoms enables appropriate therapy. In order to increase the quality of life of patients, multidirectional treatment should be implemented, which includes both diet therapy, including nutritional modifications, as well as pharmacotherapy and psychological assistance. IBS is a disease that cannot be completely cured and the therapy is, therefore, aimed at alleviating or eliminating troublesome elements. Pharmacological treatment often does not bring the desired effects of therapy and it is necessary to use probiotics or dietary supplements that can significantly improve the quality of life of patients.

The aim of this study is to present and characterize the current methods of treating irritable bowel syndrome, paying particular attention to dietary supplementation and probiotic therapy. In order to understand the mechanism of their action in various forms of the disease, the active ingredients contained in the indicated products were reviewed.

Keywords: probiotics, diet, irritable bowel syndrome, supplements, active ingredients.

© Farm Pol, 2020, 76(11): 611–618