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IBS Self Help and Support Group Forums - IBSgroup.org _ News, Media, Research Results, Discussion or Abstracts _ Bifidobacterium infantis 35624

Posted by: Dallasred1 Apr 8 2005, 03:01 PM

Has anyone tried this Probiotic? The study was published in Gastroenterology, showed it worked quite well in IBS. I can't find this strain of B.infantis, though. Any thoughts or suggestions? I have Celiac Disease as well as IBS and have been gluten free for four years. Thanks Judith

Posted by: SpAsMaN* Apr 8 2005, 03:24 PM

See my post on the subject in the IBS main discussion.

Posted by: claymoreg May 27 2005, 10:29 AM

I read about it, too, and have some, but I don't know how much to take or how often. I found it at a local health food store in the refrigerated section.
K

Posted by: Dallasred1 May 31 2005, 09:16 AM

I asked my GI how much to take and I will look it up. Does your contain the exact Bi number that was used in the study? I can't find it anywhere.

Posted by: NinaVo Sep 5 2005, 11:34 AM

I just finished a confidential trial with a company that is going to bring this out commercially in the next couple of months. Worked well for me and others in the group.

Posted by: Kathleen M. Sep 5 2005, 02:23 PM

http://www.ventris.org.uk/health_supplements_biocare_b169-60.htm is in the UK.

http://www.uaslabs.com/sections/raw_materials.php?material_id=3 in the US

If you do a google search for it you'll find there are others. Most of the products seem to be targetted for children.
K.

Posted by: SpAsMaN* Sep 5 2005, 03:08 PM

Wait Ninavo,it works well for you?What do you mean?What is your symptoms?
How much did you take?

Posted by: SpAsMaN* Sep 5 2005, 04:06 PM

Here the reports from few months ago.I don't know if the strain is available as they claims:

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/productnews/news.as...iotic-bacteria-helps

Probiotic bacteria helps irritable bowel syndrome

31/03/2005 - A drink containing a probiotic strain isolated from infants relieved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome to the same extent as pharmaceutical treatments for the condition, report Irish researchers.

The team from the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, set up last year at Ireland’s University College Cork to investigate bacteria and gut health, found that patients who consumed a malted milk drink containing Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 everyday for eight weeks experienced fewer overall symptoms, abdominal pain and discomfort.
The symptom relief was comparable to that seen with Zelnorm (tegaserod) and Lotronex (alosetron), drugs that have been recently approved for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

IBS is a long-term condition that usually involves cramping, diarrhoea and constipation. It affects between 10 and 15 per cent of the Irish population and a similar proportion of people in other western countries.

However the precise cause of IBS is not fully understood and there is no cure yet. Treatments are aimed at alleviating symptoms but medication, for those with moderate to severe forms of the disease, does not work for all patients.

Senior author on the new study, Professor Eamon Quigley, who is head of UCC’s medical school, said the results "look very good in comparison to pharmacological products".

"We believe we have very significant results. It is at least as effective as lots of available products, and probiotics have a good safety profile too," he told NutraIngredients.com.

In contrast, treatment with another probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus salivarius UCC4331, also isolated at the Irish centre, appeared to have no more effect on IBS symptoms than a placebo drink.

Both strains, patented by UCC, had shown interesting properties in laboratory studies.

“Previous studies of probiotic preparations have been small and used different probiotics, different doses and different definitions of IBS. Ours is one of the first properly powered trials conducted to accepted standards in this area,” Dr Quigley added.

For the study, published in the March issue of Gastroenterology (vol 128, issue 3, pp541-51), 77 people with IBS were asked to drink a malted milk drink every morning. The drink either contained L. salivarius, B. infantis or no added bacteria. The subjects recorded their symptoms.

“Our hypothesis is that low-grade inflammation is a factor in IBS and that certain probiotic bacteria can reduce this inflammation. We have some evidence to support this theory because our paper shows a change in cytokine ratios after the probiotic treatment," said Dr Quigley.

He added that further clinical trials are ongoing and research into the mechanism will also be carried out by the team.

Neither of the strains is currently commercially available but the APC works in partnership with Procter and Gamble and is hoping to bring the bacteria to market in new products.

Posted by: SpAsMaN* Sep 5 2005, 07:02 PM

Here the center who research these probiotics:

http://apc.ucc.ie/content/

Posted by: Jeffrey Roberts Nov 1 2005, 07:50 PM

Probiotic relieves irritable bowel syndrome

Reuters
Nov 1, 2005 — NEW YORK - By Karla Gale

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A beneficial strain --or "probiotic" of bacteria called Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 stabilizes bowel movement frequency in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who experience either constipation or diarrhea, new study findings suggest.

"Prior work done by our group in animal models of IBS clearly showed that this particular strain has potent immune-modulating effects," lead researcher Dr. Eamonn M. M. Quigley told Reuters Health.

He explained that lab animals with ulcerative colitis, and in humans with IBS, treatment with B. infantis 35624 reverses severe inflammation of the colon "and restores the immune balance from a pro-inflammatory state to an anti-inflammatory state."

To determine the impact of the probiotic on bowel movement frequency, Dr. Quigley, from University Cork College in Ireland, and colleagues randomly assigned 85 female patients with IBS to treatment with B. infantis 35624 for 4 weeks and 80 to treatment with an inert placebo.

For patients with very frequent or very few bowel movements, the bacteria had a significant effect in normalizing the frequency, the investigators reported this week at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in Honolulu.

This is "a unique finding," Quigley noted, since "the other agents used or tested in IBS have tended to have efficacy in either a diarrhea-predominant group or a constipation-predominant group, but not in both."

Changes in bowel frequency were accompanied by "very significant improvement in individual symptoms, such as pain and bloating," he added.

"If we continue to show true efficacy for probiotics," the researcher maintained, "this will represent a major step forward because they have the great advantage of having no safety issues to confront."

Copyright 2005 Reuters News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Posted by: Jeffrey Roberts Nov 2 2005, 04:02 PM

Good Gut 'Bugs' Help Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Probiotics Growing into First-Line IBS Treatment

By Daniel DeNoon
WebMD Medical News Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD
on Monday, October 31, 2005

Oct. 31, 2005 - It's not a Halloween prank. Live bugs are the hottest new treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The "bugs" aren't insects. They're live bacteria. When bad bacteria grow in our bodies, we call them germs. Good bacteria ingested for health effects are called probiotics.

Probiotics already are in your grocery and health food store in capsules, tablets, gel caps, liquids, and in cultured yogurt products. Not every probiotic product has proven health effects. But as a medical treatment, they're more than just the latest health fad, says University of New Mexico researcher Mohamed O. Othman, MD.

Othman is one of several researchers reporting on probiotics research at this week's 70th annual scientific meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in Honolulu.

"Probiotics now have been used in many diseases, not only IBS but also ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and in both children and adults with lactose intolerance," Othman tells WebMD. "It is a new field, and there is a lot of investigation going on."

Help for Some, Harm for None?

Early studies show that some specific probiotics help some IBS patients -- but not others, says gastroenterologist Jay W. Marks, MD. Marks is medical and pharmacy editor for MedicineNet.com, a WebMD company.

"Some patients with IBS respond to treatment with probiotics. But probiotics are clearly not a panacea," Marks tells WebMD. "They are not all the same. Different probiotic bacteria have different effects on the intestine. So we expect it will be important to use the right probiotic for the right patient -- which is not clear yet. We still don't know which ones are appropriate for which patients."

Even so, doctors are recommending probiotics to some IBS patients. That's because the probiotics tested in clinical trials have done no harm, says probiotics researcher Eamon Quigley, MD, of the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Center at University Cork College, Ireland.

"If probiotics are as effective as we think, the great advantage is their safety," Quigley tells WebMD. "There is no evidence of any safety issue. They have the potential to be an effective first-line therapy for IBS and other bowel symptoms in a very safe manner."

B. infantis for IBS

B. infantis for IBS

Quigley's team recently reported data from a study of 77 women with IBS. The researchers gave some of the women a probiotic strain called Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 -- a Proctor & Gamble product called Bifantis, sold in capsule form as Align. The other volunteers received a probiotic called Lactobacillus salivarius UCC4331 or an inactive placebo.

Women who received the lactobacillus strain did not do significantly better than those who got the placebo. But those treated with Bifantis had significantly less abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating and distention, and bowel movement difficulty.

These findings led to a larger, multicenter study of Bifantis. Quigley presented some of this study's first results at this week's ACG meeting. He reported that Bifantis normalized bowel habits for women with IBS. The probiotic worked for women with diarrhea-predominant IBS and for those with constipation-predominant IBS.

"If you look at those who were treated with [Bifantis], whether they started with loose stools or hard stools, they had normalization of bowel habits regardless of what they started out with," Quigley says.

Probiotics: A Growing Field

In their report to the ACG meeting, Othman and colleagues reviewed major clinical studies of probiotics in the treatment of IBS. There were eight studies in their review -- but Othman says that there soon will be more.

"In 1989 we looked at probiotics research, but there was only one study and it was not well known -- even though it showed promising results," Othman says. "By 1994 people started to do more and more studies. The peak is right now. Every three months you find something in the medical literature on probioticssomething in the medical literature on probiotics and its use in different diseasesdifferent diseases."

In general, the studies were promising, if inconclusive. Now that probiotics seem to work in early trials, Othman says, it's time for larger studies to show exactly what they can do -- and for whom.

"For bowel disease in general, it's hard to say what the studies really show. But for IBS, a lot of patients can improve," Othman says. "I try it with a lot of my patients. Some do not respond at all. Some have a good response. I have some IBS patients who tried everything for their diarrhea without success. And after one week of probiotics, the diarrhea stops. But for other patients, we give the probiotic and nothing happens."

Othman says he has not yet given the Bifantis product to patients. He's tried a mixture of eight different bacteria (including a strain of Bifidobacterium infantis) called VSL #3 from Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals. He's also tried a lactobacillus GG product.

"Both of them work for some patients, and both didn't work for some patients," he says.

Why Do Probiotics Work for IBS?

Why Do Probiotics Work for IBS?

Exactly how probiotics work is a question that bedevils researchers.

The most obvious theory is that the good bacteria displace bad bacteria. That appears to be part of the answer, says Marks. One thing that may affect some IBS patients is called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO.

The large intestine carries a lot of bacteria -- about a billion organisms per milliliter of fluid. But the small intestine is only supposed to have 10,000 organisms per milliliter of fluid. And the small intestine is supposed to have different bacteria than the large intestine.

There's good evidence that some people with IBS have SIBO: an overgrowth of large-intestine bacteria in their small intestines. Unfortunately, Marks says, there's no simple test to detect SIBO. But patients who do have SIBO may benefit from probiotics. The good bacteria may displace the bad bacteria in the small intestine.

That's one issue. Another issue of perhaps even greater importance comes from the Quigley team's research. They find that probiotics may make subtle but important changes in the way a person's immune system works.

The immune system has built in switches that turn inflammatory immune responses on or off. This kind of immune response can be very helpful in responding to acute infection or injury. But in some people with IBS, the switch for inflammatory immune responses seems to be stuck in the "on" position. In ways that are not yet understood, probiotics turn this switch off.

"There is quite a bit of evidence that there is a change in immune function in IBS," Quigley says. "In other words, if you look in detail, you see evidence of inflammatory immune activation in IBS. Certain probiotics have potent anti-inflammatory effects that can restore the balance."

Marks is very interested in these findings, which he calls "extremely tantalizing." But he warns IBS patients that not every product sold as a probiotic is helpful.

"People should not just go to a health food store and buy any probiotic on the shelf," he says. "You want to use one that has been medically studied and that has appropriate effects. About three or four of those available have been tested. VSL #3 is the most tested, then there is lactobacillus GG, another is Flora-Q."

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SOURCES: Quigley, E.M. 70th annual scientific meeting, American College of Gastroenterology, Honolulu, Oct. 28-Nov. 2, 2005. Mohamed O. Othman, MD, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Eamon Quigley, MD, University Cork College, Ireland. Jay W. Marks, MD, medical and pharmacy editor, MedicineNet.comMedicineNet.com.

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© 2005 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.

Posted by: Jeffrey Roberts Nov 3 2005, 04:11 PM

Discussion about a product from Proctor & Gamble with this probiotic:

http://ibsgroup.org/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/76110261/m/686106671

Posted by: Julia H Nov 4 2005, 10:56 AM

Does anyone know if you can buy Bifantis in the UK?

If not I see there are other products with Bifidobacterium infantis that you can buy in the UK but how do you know if they are the specific strain 35624?

Thanks Julia

Posted by: Jeffrey Roberts Nov 4 2005, 06:42 PM

http://www.medpagetoday.com/tbprint.cfm?tbid=2077

ACG: Probiotic Compound Seems Effective in Subset of IBS Patients

By Paula Moyer , MedPage Today Staff Writer
Reviewed by Zalman S. Agus, MD; Emeritus Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

MedPage Today Action Points

Explain to patients that although Bifantis is commercially available as a supplement, it is not approved by the FDA and the clinical trials to establish its efficacy for IBS are ongoing.

Review
HONOLULU, Nov. 4 - Bifantis, a probiotic supplement, may be an effective treatment for a select population of patients with irritable bowel syndrome, researchers here reported.

In a placebo-controlled trial of 174 IBS patients, an Irish team said the response rate was better in a Bifantis (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624) arm-63.2% versus 46.5%. But the response was significantly better for patients who had a history of hard stool (P=0.02) or urgency (P=0.05).

By contrast, increased alcohol consumption and a history of straining were both significant predictors of treatment failure.

Eamonn Quigley, M.D., of the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Center of National University of Ireland in Cork, Ireland, reported at the American College of Gastroenterology meeting here.

Dr. Quigley contended that his trial results provide a scientific basis for use of the supplements, which purport to be beneficial strains of bacteria that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestines. He noted that probiotics are readily available as over-the-counter supplements and are gaining popularity among patients.

"Things are changing very quickly here," he said. "Whether you look at animal models or tissue culture models, there is an emerging amount of data regarding probiotics. So there is now a basis in science."

When Dr. Quigley and colleagues adjusted for baseline predictors, the patients randomized to active treatment were 2.15 times as likely to respond as the placebo patients.

The analysis also showed which patients were unlikely to respond, Dr. Quigley said. Those who had symptoms of straining were less likely to respond, with an odds ratio of 0.33. When the investigators adjusted for the baseline predictors, those in the treatment group were 2.15 times as likely to respond as those in the placebo group.

The study recruited 173 patients with a history of IBS and 87 were randomized to Bifantis. Treatment response was defined as at least two weeks of symptom relief during the four-week treatment phase.

Philip Jaffe, M.D., an associate professor of clinical medicine at Yale, applauded Dr. Quigley's attempt to inject science into the world of probiotics.

He said that Dr. Quigley "has been at the forefront of trying to provide scientific evidence-based data to support or dispel the notion that these substances may have some role in treating some patients who have irritable bowel syndrome."

That said, he remained skeptical about the value of probiotics and said he thinks it is too early to start recommending probiotics for patients with IBS. He pointed out, for instance, that a lack of FDA regulation means there is no standardized formulation for the probiotic supplements, which makes it difficult to determine what is really contained in the supplement.

But Dr. Jaffe agreed that patients are likely to use the products.

Dr. Quigley's study was funded by Procter & Gamble, which manufactures Bifantis. Dr. Quigley is a consultant and shareholder in the company.

© 2004-5 MedPage Today, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Posted by: mariana Dec 24 2005, 05:46 PM

Does anyone know if you can buy Bifantis in Mexico?

Posted by: SpAsMaN* Dec 24 2005, 06:03 PM

No.See the other post.

Posted by: Kathleen M. Dec 24 2005, 07:16 PM

You might not be able to get the exact strain, but quite a few probiotic product have B. infantis in them.

It isn't known how much difference there is between strains. A fair number of US probiotic products include this species (if not the exact strain).

I don't know about what products might be available in Mexico.
K.

Posted by: Dallasred1 Dec 25 2005, 06:58 PM

I ordered mine online from Procter and Gamble. The website is http://www.aligngi.com. It is $29.99 for 29 tabs. Mine really kicked in after about a month. It has really helped with the nausea and bloating and I can actually sleep through the night. Good Luck.

Posted by: Sophie22 Dec 26 2005, 04:17 AM

i cant get it in the UK can i? i emailed them but they havent replied

Posted by: Kathleen M. Dec 26 2005, 05:33 AM

They just released it in the US, I don't know how long it typically takes before they start selling stuff in other countries.

You might be able to find the same species in a probiotic you can by locally. Won't be the same straing, but this species has been used in a fair number of probiotics as it has been on the radar for awhile, just no solid studies with specific strains.

I googled it and found a couple of things http://www.ventris.org.uk/health_supplements_biocare_b169-60.htm is a product with it by itself http://www.head2toes.co.uk/product-info/prodophilus-probiotic.html is a combination product.

Won't be the same strain, but may be worth trying until the company starts over-seas distribution.

I would encourage people in other countries to keep contacting them. If they know there is a market for it that may help push them to acting in that direction sooner rather than later.
K.

Posted by: Raghavansn Apr 15 2006, 04:28 AM

Can anybody tell whether this probiotic is available in India? The overseas prices are too much. I can't afford it. What is the present status of trials using this bacteria? Can anybody explain?

Posted by: eric Apr 15 2006, 12:07 PM

I don't personally know if you can get them in India.

However

"FYI

This is an expert on Post infectious IBS. This is an excellent article and I am posting a small part on new Probiotic research.

Post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Posted 12/08/2005

Robin Spiller; Eugene Campbell

"Anti-inflammatory Effect of Probiotics
Numerous studies have shown an anti-inflammatory effect but the study by McCarthy et al.[30] is of particular interest since it showed a benefit in the interleukin-10-knockout mouse model of colitis using two probiotic bacteria, Lactobillus salivaris and Bifidobacterium infantis, which have since been used in IBS patients (see below). The same group also demonstrated that bacteria did not need to be living to be effective. Nor did they need to be administered orally but could be effective when given subcutaneously,[31] showing that the anti-inflammatory effect is systemic with a generalized decrease in proinflammatory cytokines."

"Anti-inflammatory Treatments in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
With this evidence of low-grade lymphocytosis and inflammatory mediators the idea of treating flares in IBS like an exacerbation of asthma has certain attractions. The first direct trial of prednisolone in PI-IBS was, however, negative.[32] This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial randomized 29 patients with PI-IBS following C. jejuni enteritis to 3 weeks of oral prednisolone, 30 mg daily. Although mucosal lymphocyte counts fell, enterochromaffin cell numbers did not, nor did bowel symptoms improve significantly. Furthermore, prednisolone was poorly tolerated by IBS patients, indicating that this is unlikely to be a successful treatment. A more subtle and better-tolerated anti-inflammatory effect may be achieved by the use of probiotics. Since inflammation in the bowel appears in many instances to be a reaction to the commensal flora, modifying this by means of probiotics has proved an attractive option given its success in some inflammatory conditions such as ileal pouchitis. There have been several previous studies in IBS with mixed results, but the most recent one used the same two probiotics, L. salivaris and B. infantis, as McCarthy et al..[30] Only B. infantis was demonstrated to improve composite symptom scores as well as abdominal pain, bloating and distension.[33**] Like previous studies, this showed a small improvement in symptoms but, unlike previous studies, they also demonstrated a mechanism by measuring the release of cytokines by peripheral blood lymphocytes. They showed that at baseline IBS patients had a depressed interleukin-10/interleukin-12 ratio and that the active probiotics normalized this ratio. Since interleukin-12 is recognized to be a key proinflammatory cytokine, while interleukin-10 is anti-inflammatory, this imbalance may be important. The study certainly needs repeating, but this is the first study in which alterations in mucosal inflammatory mediators have been demonstrated to relate to improvement in symptoms (for review see)[34]."

"Conclusion
Studies of patients with PI-IBS over the last 2 years have been reviewed which demonstrate low-grade inflammation in the mucosa with increased inflammatory mediators, including serotonin and cytokines. Studies in other IBS groups have also shown increased mast cell numbers and in some cases increased release of mediators such as mast cell protease and histamine. This is plainly an active area in which significant advances with application to clinical practice can be expected in the foreseeable future."

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/518355_1

"Post-infective IBS (PI-IBS) develops in 3-30% of individuals with bacterial gastroenteritis. Known risk factors include female sex, severity of initial illness, bacterial toxigenicity and adverse psychological factors, including neuroticism, hypochondriasis, anxiety and depression, as reviewed in 2003.[2] "

Posted by: lady from boston Jun 29 2006, 03:40 PM

I have been dealing with IBS for years but it had recently gotten worse so I went for tests and received the diagnosis.I had been taking 5 Metamucil caplets once a day and was beginning to have some good results though still some constipation. My MD suggested stopping the Metamucil and taking Align. My symptoms returned along with the panic on the subway and feeling that I have to get to a bathroom fast.

I went back on the Metamucil and continue to take the Align. I feel that things have stabilized once again. They weem to work well for me in combination

I also started today on Heather's peppermint oil capsules and the ibs self hypnosis CDs. Hopeful this will all come together to bring about a bigger improvement. I will know the next time that I must ride the subway which is when the panic sets in.

Posted by: Jeffrey Roberts Jul 13 2006, 06:53 PM

New Study Demonstrates That Bifantis™ (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624) Offers Relief for Women With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Tuesday July 11, 11:31 am ET

CINCINNATI, July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study published in the July issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that Bifantis (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624) may help relieve many of the symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women, including diarrhea and constipation(1).
IBS, the most common functional bowel disorder diagnosed by physicians and gastroenterologists, is estimated to affect up to one in five Americans(2). Bifantis™ is the first and only probiotic, or "good" bacteria, that has been clinically proven to help manage the full range of symptoms of IBS in a large scale, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The study was sponsored by P&G Health Sciences Institute.

"We are pleased and excited with the results of this study, as it represents an advance in the treatment of IBS which can cause such embarrassing symptoms, often on a daily basis," said Dr. Peter Whorwell, Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology at the University of Manchester (UK) and lead author of the study.

About the Study

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study, 362 women between 18 and 65 years of age who had been diagnosed with IBS (per Rome II criteria) received placebo or freeze-dried, encapsulated Bifantis once daily for four weeks(1). Throughout the study, patients daily recorded how they felt related to abdominal pain/discomfort, bloating/distension, sense of incomplete evacuation, straining at stool, urgency of bowel movement, passage of gas and mucus and bowel habit satisfaction(1). Patients also recorded their global assessment of relief for both abdominal pain/discomfort and their IBS symptoms(1).

At the end of the four week study, Bifantis was observed to be significantly superior to placebo for abdominal pain as well as bloating, bowel dysfunction, incomplete evacuation, straining and the passage of gas(1). Overall, improvements in symptoms experienced were highest in the 1x10(8) cfu dose group(1). Patients' global symptom assessment was superior to placebo by more than 20 percent. No significant adverse events were recorded(1).

About Bifantis

Bifantis is the trademarked name for the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium infantis 35624(3). These normal, friendly bacteria play an important role in basic digestion, proper metabolism and overall well-being(3). Bifantis works within the digestive system to restore intestinal balance and maintain normal digestive health(3). Bifantis is a calorie- and lactose-free natural dietary ingredient that is similar to the active cultures found in some yogurts and fermented milks(3).

Bifantis may be especially helpful for people who experience one or more of the symptoms commonly associated with IBS, including diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, urgency and abdominal discomfort(3).

For additional information on Bifantis, visit http://www.bifantis.com or http://www.pghsi.com .

About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common functional bowel disorder, and it is characterized by a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating and altered bowel function (constipation and/or diarrhea)(2).

IBS, most often diagnosed by a primary care physician or gastroenterologist, is second only to the common cold as a leading cause of workplace absenteeism in the United States(2). Significant morbidity is associated with IBS, as patients suffering from IBS-related symptoms endure a decreased quality of life as they are prevented from participating in activities they would normally enjoy(2). The impact on quality of life has been estimated to be greater than that of diabetes and similar to that of clinical depression(2).

The current goal of therapy is management and reduction in the frequency and severity of episodes or symptoms(2). The management of IBS currently ranges from dietary (increasing fiber and reducing dairy products) and behavioral changes (restricting diet and slowly adding in new foods) to medications (over-the-counter and prescription)(2).

About Probiotics

The word "probiotic" means "for life." Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, or "good, friendly" bacteria that can help strengthen the body's natural defenses, and help restore the appropriate balance of healthy bacteria. Research still is being conducted on how probiotic cultures may influence a wide-range of health conditions, however, it has been established through controlled scientific investigations that probiotics ingested in certain numbers exert health affects beyond inherent basic nutrition(2,3).

About P&G Health Sciences Institute

The P&G Health Sciences Institute is a conglomerate of P&G research expertise and capabilities including state of the art research facilities dedicated to identifying, developing, and using leading health care technologies in the development of effective products for both the developing and developed world. Procter & Gamble has a long history of scientific research both internally and through collaboration with external partners in the areas of health, hygiene, and nutrition, dating back more than 50 years. Please visit http://www.pghsi.com for more information on the P&G Health Sciences Institute as well as http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

(1) Efficacy of an Encapsulated Probiotic Bifidobacterium Infantis 35624
in Women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, published in the American
Journal of Gastroenterology, July 2006
(2) http://www.pghsi.com/gastrointestinal/probiotics.html , accessed on
6.16.06
(3) http://www.usprobiotics.org/basics/ , probiotics and dairy products
section, accessed on 6.16.06

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: P&G Health Sciences Institute

Posted by: dc2002 Jul 14 2006, 09:57 PM

does it say anything about effectiveness in men? i might have missed it...anyone?

Posted by: Draenei Mar 17 2007, 11:11 AM

Is Bifantis available for purchase in Europe and more specifically in Greece? If anyone has any sort of link pls help out.

Does it work for men with IBS-constipation or is it predominantly targeting diarrhoea bothering individuals?

Posted by: Sarmiento Mar 18 2007, 08:01 AM

ehhhhhhhhhhhhhh... all these studies, please spare us! I cannot hardly read them anymore.
I`m sure you will find studies for every opinion in the i-net.

Probiotics seems to have an effect for D and bloatings. If you have lucky, bloatings get reduce. I have read also that I can make IBS worse.
I doubt that probiotics have an effect of pain, visceral hypersensitiv.

Posted by: Kathleen M. Mar 18 2007, 08:28 AM

The studies *ducking* seem to show that different bacteria interact with the host in ways that might effect things like pain and discomfort.

I think it may be interesting to find how the various bacteria (and some seem to ease constipation not just diarrhea) interact with people and hopefully we will eventually be able to know what are the best species for IBSers.

I'd hate for them to just stop this work when it is starting to show some real progress.
K.

Posted by: Jeffrey Roberts Apr 10 2007, 08:58 AM

Probiotics Offer a Natural Option for IBS Sufferers

Millions of Americans now seeking a safe, effective alternative treatment for IBS

WEBSITE

CINCINNATI, April 9 /PRNewswire/ -- With the recent Food and Drug Administration discontinuation of a leading prescription drug for constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic constipation, millions of Americans are now seeking a safe alternative treatment for their IBS. The most common functional bowel disorder diagnosed by physicians and gastroenterologists, IBS is estimated to affect up to one in five Americans.(1)

Consumers are increasingly seeking natural solutions, including probiotics, which are generally recognized as safe, and a cost-effective way of managing digestive upset. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that aid digestion, help strengthen the body's natural defenses and support a more appropriate balance of healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. However, it is crucial that consumers understand that not all probiotics are created equal, and many probiotic products are not clinically proven to be effective.

Bifantis® (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624) is the first and only probiotic strain that has been clinically proven to help manage a full range of IBS symptoms in large scale, placebo-controlled clinical trials. One of these studies, published in the July 2006 issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology, found that Bifantis helped to relieve the constipation, diarrhea, urgency, gas and bloating associated with IBS in women.(2) No other probiotic is backed by the clinical data supporting Bifantis.

"Clinical data to support the benefits of a probiotic strain is essential when choosing a probiotic," said Dr. Eamonn Quigley, Cork University Chief of Medicine and investigator on the Bifantis clinical trials. "There are many probiotic strains on the market that are not clinically proven to provide any benefits. The most important factor to consider when choosing a probiotic is to know what research lies behind the bacterial strain in the product and to identify the necessary information from the product label."

When selecting a probiotic product, consumers should ensure the label includes all of the following information:

-- Actual strain(s) name and the quantity of probiotic bacteria for each
strain listed. The number of probiotic bacteria needed to be effective
is strain- and product-form specific; more is not necessarily better.
-- "Best used by" date and a batch or lot code. The code printed on an
individual container that serves as a reference number for the plant to
track production information.
-- Company information. Look for products manufactured by well-trusted
companies who have a history of good clinical evidence and support for
their product. Also look for corporate contact details like a Web site
or a toll-free number.
-- Dosing information, directions for use and storage. Many products have
complicated dosing regimens or directions, and the suggested storage
conditions vary based on probiotic form and stability.
-- Expectations - does the label tell you what to expect from product use?
-- Facts - the Supplement Facts that includes the nutritional and
supplement information.

About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common functional bowel disorder, characterized by a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating and altered bowel function (constipation and/or diarrhea).

Significant morbidity is associated with IBS, as patients suffering from IBS related symptoms endure a decreased quality of life as they are prevented from participating in activities they would normally enjoy. The impact on quality of life has been estimated to be greater than that of diabetes and similar to that of clinical depression.

The current goal of therapy is management and reduction in the frequency and severity of episodes or symptoms. The management of IBS currently ranges from dietary (increasing fiber and reducing dairy products) and behavioral changes (restricting diet and slowly adding in new foods) to medications (over-the-counter and prescription).

About Bifantis® (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624)

Bifantis is the trademarked name for the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium infantis 35624. These normal, friendly bacteria play an important role in basic digestion, proper metabolism and overall well-being. Bifantis works within the digestive system to restore intestinal balance and maintain normal digestive health. Bifantis is a calorie- and lactose-free natural dietary ingredient that is similar to the active cultures found in some yogurts and fermented milks.

Bifantis may be especially helpful for people who experience one or more of the symptoms commonly associated with IBS, including diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, urgency and abdominal discomfort.

More information about Bifantis is available at http://www.bifantis.com/ . About P&G Health Sciences Institute

The P&G Health Sciences Institute is a conglomerate of P&G research expertise and capabilities including state of the art research facilities dedicated to identifying, developing, and using leading health care technologies in the development of effective products for both the developing and developed world. Procter & Gamble has a long history of scientific research both internally and through collaboration with external partners in the areas of health, hygiene, and nutrition, dating back more than 50 years. Please visit http://www.pghsi.com/ for more information on the P&G Health Sciences Institute as well as https://www.pg.com/ for the latest news and in- depth information about P&G and its brands.

(1) http://www.pghsi.com/gastrointestinal/probiotics.html, accessed on 6.16.06 (2) Efficacy of an Encapsulated Probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in Women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, July 2006

Website: http://www.bifantis.com/
Website: https://www.pghsi.com/
Website: https://www.pg.com/

Posted by: starwoman Nov 29 2008, 09:57 PM

I am also anxious to find out news of this Probiotic but cannot obtain it in australia either.

Carmen (Starwoman)

Posted by: Beanie Dec 4 2008, 07:22 PM

So you guys are talking about ALign right?

I suffer from ibs D and C
I have been on it for about 11 months and i havent had D or bad C since i started it. My only problem is that i still have alot of pain and uncomfortable but i have alot more normal bowel movements. So i still feel crappy but im not sitting on the toilet all day anymore.