Friendly bacteria for those with IBS

All of these Optibac supplements are particularly suitable for people with IBS. Choose the one that's right for you:

  • The highly researched strains Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07® are found naturally in the digestive tract, and complement your good gut bacteria. They can be found in Every Day EXTRA and are a popular choice for those with IBS-A or IBS-M. 
  • Choose Bifido & Fibre if you're looking for a product containing Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12®, which is extensively researched in those with IBS-C so especially suitable for those with this type of IBS.
  • Saccharomyces boulardii contains the world's only 'friendly yeast'. Saccharomyces boulardii is supported by 50 years of research and is often chosen by those with IBS-D.
  • If you find gummies easier to take, choose Gut Health Gummies. These delicious gummies contain the highly researched strain Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2, along with Calcium, Vitamin D, and Zinc.

Friendly bacteria and IBS: your questions answered

How do I choose the best friendly bacteria suitable for IBS?

When choosing friendly bacteria suitable for those with IBS it is best to choose a supplement with strains specifically researched in people with the same type of IBS and guaranteed to reach the gut alive. Consider if you want a high strength supplement, or one without added fibre. For example, Optibac Every Day EXTRA is a high-strength supplement without added FOS fibres, so is a popular choice for adults with IBS1.

Can Saccharomyces boulardii be taken with other live cultures?

Yes. Because S. boulardii temporarily passes through the gut, it is safe and appropriate to take a supplement containing highly researched live cultures alongside S. boulardii as they work very well together.

Many of our customers like to take Saccharomyces boulardii in combination with Every Day EXTRA.

Why might I want to take a friendly bacteria gummy?

Optibac friendly bacteria gummies contain the robust strain B. coagulans Unique IS-2, which survives against harsh stomach acid2 and has been studied in adults and children with IBS3,4. Some people simply find a gummy more convenient to take. 

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Not sure which supplement to try?

Sometimes it’s good to talk, so if you’d prefer to get expert advice from our team of Nutritional Therapists you can use our chat service by clicking on the orange button between 9am and 5pm UK time.


You can also reach us on social media or you can send us an email, we would love to hear from you.

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References

1. Gray Dip CNM, C. (2022). Which Probiotics are for IBS? | Probiotics Learning Lab. Retrieved 16 May 2022, from https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/uk/learning-lab/in-depth/gut-health/which-probiotics-are-best-for-ibs

2. Ahire, J. J., Neelamraju, J. and Madempudi, R. S. (2020) ‘Behavior of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 spores during passage through the simulator of human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME) model’, LWT, 124, p. 109196. doi: 10.1016/j.lwt.2020.109196.

3. Madempudi, R. S. et al. (2019) ‘Randomized clinical trial: the effect of probiotic Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 vs. placebo on the symptoms management of irritable bowel syndrome in adults’, Scientific Reports, 9(1). doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-48554-x.

4. Sudha, M. R. et al. (2018) ‘Efficacy of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 in treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in children: a double blind, randomised placebo controlled study’, Beneficial Microbes, 9(4), pp. 563–572. doi: 10.3920/BM2017.0129.

Read more about friendly bacteria for IBS over in the Probiotics Learning Lab.