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Prebiotics and Gut Health: Implications for Managing IBS and Functional GI Disorders

Prebiotic fibers support the health of the gut microbiota among those with functional GI disorders, such as IBS. Research highlights their mechanistic ability to increase beneficial short-chain fatty acids and manage inflammation, but the impact of prebiotic fiber supplementation on symptom relief varies. Although supplementation shows promise, caution is advised when introducing prebiotics in IBS patients due to their potential to exacerbate symptoms.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other Disorders of Gut Brain Interaction (DGBIs) are a group of disorders characterized by gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, distension, changes in bowel habits and abdominal pain. While research on their pathogenesis is ongoing, risk factors for DGBIs include motility disturbances, visceral hypersensitivity, altered mucosal and immune function, gut microbiota alterations and disruptions to the gut-brain-axis. IBS is estimated to affect as much as 11% of the global population.1

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Sources

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