title: Randomized clinical trial: effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 299 v on symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common diagnosis in gastroenterology. Its etiology is unknown and therapeutic options limited. Trials suggest probiotics may be beneficial. The aim of this study was to assess the symptomatic efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum 299 v (L. plantarum 299 v) for the relief of abdominal pain in patients with IBS fulfilling Rome II criteria.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was conducted in a referral hospital. Trial participants were randomized to receive either two capsules of L. plantarum 299 v at a dosage of 5 × 10(9) cfu per capsule or placebo daily for 8 wk. Severity of abdominal pain was assessed using a visual analog scale at each visit and a quality-of-life IBS (QoL-IBS) questionnaire was also completed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference in abdominal pain relief between the study and placebo groups (P = 0.800). There was also no difference in QoL- IBS scores between the groups (P = 0.687). Both groups had a significant improvement in abdominal pain scores over the study period, from an average of 251.55 to 197.90 (P < 0.0001) indicating a large placebo effect.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An 8-wk treatment with L. plantarum 299 v did not provide symptomatic relief, particularly of abdominal pain and bloating, in patients fulfilling the Rome II criteria.
authors.affiliation: Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa. Electronic address: Cheryl@retaildc.co.za.
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stevenson
authors.affiliation: Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: Renée
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Blaauw
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
authors.forename: Ernst
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fredericks
authors.affiliation: Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: Janicke
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Visser
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
authors.forename: Saartjie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Roux
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy; D048191:Lactiplantibacillus plantarum; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Irritable bowel syndrome; Lactobacillus plantarum 299 v; Probiotics