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Showing Results for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

CL Answers (25)

Search term may appear only in full report available to members. Join now for full access.

I have IBS and don't want to take medication if I can help it. I've heard that peppermint works for IBS, but is there good research to support this?

Information about using peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including clinical evidence, dosage, safety and more.

Peppermint Oil for IBS? -- Bottle of peppermint oil and capsules and peppermint leaf

Can N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG) really help improve symptoms of bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Find out if N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG) can help improve symptoms of bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Woman Holding Stomach from Pain

Butyrate Supplements for Gut Health: Does butyric acid really work and is it safe?

Can butyrate supplements improve gut health or help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn's disease? Find out what the clinical evidence shows, learn about the different forms of butyrate, including sodium butyrate, calcium-magnesium butyrate, and tributyrate, and get details about products such as BodyBio Sodium Butyrate and Healus Complete Biotic Tributyrin, dosage, safety and cost.

Butyrate Supplements

Has the probiotic VSL#3 been changed or discontinued? Is Visbiome a good alternative?

Find out if the probiotic formula VSL#3 has been changed and how it compares with Visbiome. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

VSL #3 vs. Visbiome -- box of VSL#3 and Visbiome

Can a probiotic help men with prostatitis?

Learn more about prostatitis, the effects of probiotics on prostatitis, and other natural treatments.

Do probiotics help with lactose intolerance?

Find out if probiotics can help with lactose intolerance. ConsumerLab's answer explains, including some foods that may cause fewer symptoms in the lactose intolerant.

Woman with Stomach Pain Holding Glass of Milk

Which supplements can cause diarrhea?

Can supplements like magnesium cause diarrhea? Find out which supplements may cause diarrhea, such as vitamin B12, curcumin, magnesium, vitamin C and fish oil.

Which supplements can cause diarrhea? -- Woman with gastrointestinal pain

What is Lactospore? I see it is an ingredient in some probiotic supplements.

Lactospore information and more about sporulating probiotic bacteria, and other probiotic strains.

Woman Taking Supplement in Mirror

Have you heard of the probiotic, Keybiotics? Does it do what it claims, and is it worth the money they charge?

Whole Body Research Keybiotics probiotic information, including its ingredients and possible cheaper alternatives.

Probiotics

How do I choose the best probiotic supplement? There are so many different strains of bacteria!

Information on how to choose the best probiotic supplement based on safety and our lab test on probiotic bacteria content.

Probiotic Supplements and Bottles Against Blue Background

Which supplements help reduce flatulence (gas), and are there any that make it worse?

Find out which supplements may help reduce flatulence (gas), and learn which supplements or foods may worsen symptoms of flatulence.

Older woman sitting on her bed and holding her stomach due to gas and bloating

Do any supplements help for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

IBS supplements may help reduce irritable bowel symptoms such as pain, diarrhea and constipation. Supplements include probiotics, melatonin, and flaxseed.

Supplements for IBS? -- Women With Stomach Pain

What are the health benefits of bovine colostrum and is it safe?

Bovine colostrum is promoted for boosting immunity, preventing and treating diarrhea, and improving gut health, but does it really work? See the clinical evidence for bovine colostrum, including doses that have been used, as well as safety concerns, cost considerations, and the difference between regular bovine colostrum and hyperimmune bovine colostrum.

Bovine colostrum powder and capsule supplements

What are the health benefits of manuka honey, and is it safe?

Manuka honey health benefits, how it differs from common, store-bought honey, safety, evidence for using manuka honey for wounds, sore throat and cough, constipation and more.

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey -- jar of manuka honey

Is it better to take fish oil, flaxseed oil -- or both?

Fish oil and flaxseed oil -- how they are different, what they are used for, if and how they can help with arthritis, depression, lowering cholesterol & more.

Flaxseed Oil vs Fish Oil -- Omega-3 Supplements

Which supplements and foods can help treat constipation?

Find out which supplements and foods can help for constipation, including fiber, flaxseed, probiotics, magnesium and fruit.

Supplements for Constipation

Do any supplements help reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

Find out which supplements help reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as mood swings, pain, bloating, irritability and food cravings.

Woman in PJs Holding Stomach from Abdominal Pain

What is BPC-157, what is it used for and is it safe?

Find out about BPC-157, including what it's promoted for and if it is safe.

White capsules vials and a syringe on a blue background

Do any supplements help for restless legs syndrome?

Find out whether supplements or vitamins like iron, magnesium, vitamin E and others can help for restless leg syndrome (RLS). ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Supplements for Restless Legs Syndrome

Are There Supplements That Help Treat POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)?

Find out which supplements and lifestyle changes may be helpful for people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).

POTS

Do any supplements or foods benefit people with Crohn's disease? Are there any supplements that should be avoided?

Find out the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies in people with Crohn's disease, including iron, B6, B12, vitamin D, zinc and others, plus evidence for N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG), fish oil, and curcumin.

Supplements for Crohn's Disease -- Crohn's Disease Written on Notepad, Pills

I developed a rash soon after starting a probiotic. Is it possible to be allergic to probiotics?

Find out if probiotics can cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes, and why.

Young Woman Scratching Forearm

Which supplements can help treat anemia? Can any supplements cause a low red blood cell count?

Find out which vitamin and nutrient supplements can help prevent and treat anemia in people who are nutrient deficient and learn which supplements may cause low bleed cell counts, especially when used in excess.

Woman holding various vitamins and supplements in her hands

Can glycine improve sleep or reduce nighttime urinary frequency?

Can glycine really help improve sleep? Lean more about glycine and its uses and benefits.

Glycine for Sleep and Nighttime Urinary Frequency? -- Older Man Sitting on Bed, Awake at Night

After taking a curcumin supplement, I started getting chronic diarrhea which went away when I stopped taking it. Can curcumin supplements cause diarrhea?

Learn more about the side effects of curcumin supplements, including diarrhea and other gastrointestinal discomfort.

Turmeric and Diarrhea
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Clinical Updates (41)

Search term may appear only in full report available to members. Join now for full access.

6/30/2013

Probiotic for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
A popular probiotic given in a yogurt appeared to reduce symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome. However, people taking a yogurt without the probiotic did just as well, if not better, over time, raising doubt about the value of the probiotic. For more details, as well as test results and comparisons for 29 probiotic supplements, see the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>
8/03/2021

Vitamin D for IBS?
Can vitamin D supplementation reduce the severity of symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
1/02/2011

Probiotics and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A recent study of children with IBS found that eight weeks of treatment with a probiotic greatly reduced the frequency and severity of abdominal pain. See the Probiotic Supplements Review for the type and dose of probiotic used and more >>
12/17/2014

Probiotic Reduces GI Pain in IBS
A yeast-based probiotic was recently shown to significantly reduce abdominal pain and discomfort among people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The most notable effect occurred after 4 weeks of use. Other studies, typically using bacterial probiotics, have also shown some benefit in IBS. For details, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >> 
5/25/2014

Probiotic for IBS Symptoms
A recent study found that a multi-strain probiotic reduced certain symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Get the details, as well as our tests of probiotic products, in the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >> 
3/02/2016

Probiotic Helps with IBS
A probiotic was found to improve many symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a recent study. Studies with other probiotics have also shown benefits, but be aware that the choice of probiotic seems to depend on the type of IBS. Get the details, as well as our quality ratings, in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
10/06/2015

Probiotic Improves IBS Symptoms
A probiotic significantly improved symptoms in men and women with a particular type of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a recent study. Get the details, including dosage, and our tests of popular products, in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
6/12/2018

Probiotic for IBS?

Studies have shown that certain probiotics help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although this can depend on the type of IBS. The most recent study focused on people with diarrhea-predominant IBS. Get the results in the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotics.
9/04/2018

Glutamine for IBS?

Glutamine, an amino acid, plays a role in maintaining the digestive tract. Can taking it as a supplement help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Find out what a recent study showed in the Glutamine section of the Muscle Enhancers Review.
5/26/2017

Probiotic Reduces Depression in IBS
A probiotic significantly decreased depression in men and women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a recent study. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
6/03/2022

Digestive Enzymes for IBS?

Does taking digestive enzymes reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Find out in our updated Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review.

8/07/2021

Peppermint Oil for IBS?
Can peppermint oil supplements improve symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? See what a new study found in our updated article about Peppermint Oil and IBS.
10/02/2021

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) for IBS?

Are symptoms of IBS improved with use of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs)? Find out what research suggests in our answer to the question: Do any supplements help for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
9/22/2015

Probiotic Increases Bowel Movement Frequency
A certain probiotic increased the number of weekly bowel movements in healthy men and women who reported a low frequency. Get the details, including brand and dosage, plus our tests of popular products in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
2/03/2021

Thiamin Deficiency from Bowel Disease
People with inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s or colitis) can develop thiamin (vitamin B-1) deficiency, which can lead to life-threatening brain injury, as noted in a recent review of 31 cases. Learn more about this and other causes of thiamin deficiency in the Thiamin section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review.
3/25/2022

Psyllium for Uncontrolled Bowel Movements

Psyllium is commonly used as a laxative, but did you know it can also help people with uncontrolled bowel movements (fecal incontinence), as noted in recent, expert guidelines? Get the details in the What It Does section of our Psyllium Fiber Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among psyllium supplements.

7/13/2018

Melatonin and Restless Legs Syndrome
Taking a melatonin supplement can help some people fall asleep, but a study suggests that it may be a problem for people with restless legs syndrome. Get the details, and learn about potential side effects of melatonin in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Melatonin Supplements Review.
3/02/2016

Ginseng for Metabolic Syndrome?
A study in men with metabolic syndrome found no benefit on blood sugar levels from taking ginseng, but a small increase in testosterone. Get the details about this and other uses for ginseng, as well as our quality ratings in the Ginseng Supplements Review >>
6/09/2018

Magnesium & Metabolic Syndrome

A study shows that magnesium can significantly help some people suffering from metabolic syndrome (i.e., high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and related symptoms). Get the details in the What It Does section of the Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among magnesium supplements.
12/07/2021

Can Warm Coffee Trigger Burning Mouth Syndrome?
A member asked if anyone else had experienced "burning mouth syndrome" after drinking warm coffee. Find out if drinking coffee can trigger symptoms of this known condition in the Safety section of our updated article about Coffee and Heart Health.
12/10/2021

Magnesium for Metabolic Syndrome?

Can magnesium supplementation lower blood sugar and blood pressure in people with metabolic syndrome? Learn what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among magnesium supplements.
1/11/2022

Ginkgo and Cistanche for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Does supplementing with ginkgo and cistanche extracts help reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome? See what a recent study showed in our updated answer to the question: Which supplements help to improve energy and decrease fatigue?
2/21/2015

Probiotic Prevents Bloating from Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
Acid-blocking PPI drugs, such as Prilosec (omeprazole) and Protonix (pantoprazole) may cause people to experience bloating and other unpleasant bowel symptoms, possibly due to overgrowth of bacteria in the intestine. A recent study suggests that taking a probiotic may help prevent these symptoms from occurring. For more details, as well as our reviews of popular probiotics, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >> 
10/24/2015

Probiotic Helps with Constipation
A recent study found that taking a particular probiotic twice a day after meals significantly increased the number of bowel movements in people with chronic constipation. For details about the probiotic and dose, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
8/16/2016

Inulin for Constipation
A small study among men and women with constipation found that inulin, a type of prebiotic, was able to modestly increase the frequency of bowel movements in men and women with constipation. For details, evidence for other uses of prebiotics and our tests of products, see the Probiotics Supplements Review >>
7/14/2020

Precaution When Taking Iron

Supplementing with iron can cause constipation and even bowel obstruction. Find how to reduce these risks when taking iron in the ConsumerTips section of the Iron Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for iron.
5/20/2022

Inulin for Constipation?

Can inulin increase bowel movements in people with constipation? Find out in our updated CL Answer about supplements for constipation.

8/14/2021

J&J Vaccine Blood Clot, Guillain-Barre Risk
How common are blood clots and low platelet counts or Guillain-Barre syndrome after the J&J vaccine?
5/01/2021

Does Kefir Lower Cholesterol?
Can drinking kefir that contains probiotics, decrease LDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels in people with metabolic syndrome? See what a new study found the Cholesterol-Lowering section of our Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotic supplements and drinks.
9/29/2020

Vitamin D and PCOS
Can vitamin D improve symptoms of (polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
12/01/2018

Vitamin D for Restless Legs?
Does high-dose vitamin D help women and men with restless legs syndrome? Find out what a recent study reported in the What It Does section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.)
6/12/2019

Reaction to CoQ10 and Alpha-Lipoic Acid
An autoimmune syndrome possibly caused by CoQ10 was recently reported. It is similar to rare cases caused by alpha-lipoic acid. For details see the updates to the Concerns and Cautions sections of the CoQ10 and Alpha Lipoic Acid Reviews.
6/18/2019

Melatonin for PCOS?
Can melatonin help women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of the Melatonin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for melatonin.
3/31/2013

More Iron, Less PMS?
A new study showed that women getting more iron had a significantly lower risk of suffering PMS (premenstrual syndrome) -- but not just any type of iron. Get the details, as well as our ratings of iron supplements, in the updated Iron Supplements Review »
1/20/2013

More Probiotic Concerns
According to a published case report, two women recently developed a severely debilitating condition ("eosinophilic syndrome") two to four weeks after taking what appears to be the same "new" probiotic supplement. It's not yet known if these are isolated cases or are there more to come. For more information, see the recent update to the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
5/24/2017

POTS and Thiamin
A small study among people who suffer from POTS (postural tachycardia syndrome) suggested that supplementing with thiamin (vitamin B-1) may help some. For details, see the Thiamin (B-1) section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>
8/02/2017

Iron for Restless Legs

Iron supplementation may help to reduce the severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms in people who have deficient or low levels of iron, according to guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology. For details, including dosage, see the "What It Does" section of the Iron Supplements Review, which also includes our tests and quality comparisons of products.
2/10/2017

High-Dose Resveratrol Increases "Bad" Cholesterol

A study of middle-aged men with metabolic syndrome found that high doses of resveratrol increased levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Resveratrol Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>
8/04/2013

5-HTP Concern
Three cases of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) have been reported among people taking 5-HTP, a compound related to L-tryptophan. EMS is a debilitating immune condition which has occurred in people taking L-tryptophan, but there were no previous reports of it being caused by 5-HTP. Get the details in the the updated review article on L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP >>
1/23/2016

Vitamin D Reduces PMS Symptoms
A recent study found that taking vitamin D significantly improved symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in young women who were deficient in vitamin D. Get the details in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
6/17/2022

Supplements for POTS?

People with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) experience a fast heart rate, dizziness, and other symptoms when standing. Can any supplements or lifestyle changes help? Find out in our answer to the question: Are there supplements that help treat POTS?

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