IMPACT OF A MULTISTRAIN SYNBIOTIC ON THE TREATMENT EFFICACY OF MIXED-TYPE IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Abstract

SUMMARY. The aim – to evaluate the efficacy of the multistrain synbiotic of Ukrainian manufacturer in the treatment of patients with the mixed-type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-M).

Material and Methods. The study was conducted at the Department of Clinical Pharmacy from May 2024 to October 2025. A total of 40 patients diagnosed with IBS-M according to Rome IV criteria were enrolled. Participants were randomized into two groups. The control group (n=12) received a low-FODMAP diet, mebicar 500 mg twice daily, and symptomatic therapy with mebeverine or domperidone as needed. The intervention group (n=28) received the same treatment regimen supplemented with the multistrain synbiotic from Ukrainian manufacturer (which includes a multiprobiotic complex of lactic acid bacteria and their metabolic products, prebiotics - inulin and lactulose), 2 capsules once daily for 30 days. Clinical assessment included evaluation of abdominal pain, bloating severity, stool disturbances, and overall well-being using a 3-point scale. Assessments were performed at baseline, on days 15 and 30 of treatment, and 1 month after completion of therapy. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel XP.

Results. The findings demonstrated significant advantages of IBS-M treatment with the addition of the multistrain synbiotic from Ukrainian manufacturer. At the second visit (day 15), the intervention group showed a significant reduction in abdominal pain, bloating, and stool disturbances compared with the control group. By the third visit (day 30), a statistically significant improvement in overall well-being was also observed in the intervention group. At the follow-up visit one month after treatment completion, sustained therapeutic benefits were documented across all assessed parameters. In the intervention group, abdominal pain was absent, whereas mild pain persisted in 25.0% of control patients (p<0.05). Mild bloating was reported in 7.1% of patients in the intervention group compared with 41.7% in the control group (p<0.05). Stool disturbances were observed in 3.6% of the intervention group versus 58.3% of the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusions. The results indicate high therapeutic efficacy of the multistrain synbiotic of Ukrainian origin in the management of mixed-type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-M). Its addition to standard therapy significantly improves clinical outcomes and supports its recommendation for routine clinical use in IBS-M treatment.