16 Scientifically Proven Best IBS Supplements
Do you live in Ottawa? Are you looking for the best IBS supplements?
Well, you are in the right place!
Today, I am going to show you the 17 best IBS supplements that you may consider taking.
The best part?
Scientific research papers have shown all these supplements reduce IBS symptoms.
Let’s dive straight in:
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera (AV) is a herbal medication used to remedy various diseases in traditional medicine. It has been shown to have hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcerative benefits.
In a meta-analysis of eight randomized control trials (RCT), the authors concluded:
Aloe Vera is effective and safe for the treatment of patients with IBS. The common outcome from all the trials was a reduction in the severity of symptoms plus there were no adverse side effects.
Dosage?
There is no information regarding dosage.
Arrowroot
Arrowroot is a starch taken from the rhizomes of numerous tropical plants, traditionally Maranta arundinacea, Florida arrowroot from Zamia integrifolia, and tapioca from cassava, which some label as arrowroot.
A small pilot study found:
Arrowroot reduced diarrhea and eased abdominal pain in people with IBS.
Dosage?
10 ml of Arrowroot powder three times a day.
Artichoke Leaf Extract
A growing body of evidence indicates therapeutic properties for artichoke leaf extract (ALE).
In a 2001 post-marketing surveillance study, the researchers concluded:
These results provide support for the notion that ALE has potential value in relieving IBS symptoms..”
Dosage?
There is no information regarding dosage.
Carmint
Carmint contains total extracts of Melissa officinalis, Mentha spicata, and Coriandrum sativum, which have antispasmodic, carminative, and sedative effects.
In a small pilot RCT, the researchers concluded that:
Carmint plus loperamide or Carmint plus psyllium (depending on the irritable bowel syndrome subtype) might be effective in these patients.
Dosage?
There is no information regarding dosage.
Casperone
Casperone® is a supplement containing Boswellia serrata extracts.
In a clinical trial, the researchers concluded:
Casperome® supplementation could represent a promising alternative approach to manage symptoms associated with IBS in otherwise healthy subjects.
Dosage?
One tablet of 250 mg per day
Eucarbon
Eucarbon Herbal Tablets are used for the short-term relief of constipation. The active ingredients include non-activated vegetable charcoal, which stimulates digestion and provides a laxative effect.
In a double-blind, randomized, multicenter, prospective clinical trial, the researchers concluded:
The herbal preparation Eucarbon was effective and safe in IBS..
Dosage?
There is no information regarding dosage.
Curcumin and Fennel Oil
Fennel Oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of Foeniculum vulgare. Curcumin is a bright yellow chemical produced by Curcuma longa plants. It is the principal curcuminoid of turmeric, a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae.
In a 2016 RCT, the researchers concluded:
CU-FEO oil was safe, well-tolerated and induced symptom relief in patients with IBS.
Dosage?
Two capsules of CU-FEO oil per day (Curcumin 42 mg and Fennel essential oil 25 mg, each capsule).
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum (PHGG) is an all-natural, water-soluble, non-viscous, non-gelling dietary fibre.
In a multicenter randomized, open trial, researchers concluded:
PHGG was effective for improving somatic (gastrointestinal symptoms) and psychological (quality of life and psychological distress) symptoms over the short term.
Dosages?
Two dosages of Novafibra per day.
Montmorillonite
Beidellitic montmorillonite is a purified clay containing double aluminum and magnesium silicate.
In a 2005 multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study with parallel groups, the researchers concluded:
Although pain or discomfort was not significantly improved in the entire IBS population treated with beidellitic montmorillonite in comparison with placebo, this study demonstrates that beidellitic montmorillonite is efficient for C-IBS patients.
Dosage?
3g packets three times per day.
Pancreatic enzymes
All enzyme supplements contain Pancreatin- a mixture of pancreatic enzymes, lipase, amylase and protease. These assist in the digestion of fat, carbohydrates and proteins.
In a 1999 double-blind, crossover study, researchers concluded:
pancreatic supplements reduce postprandial symptoms in healthy subjects suggests that these supplements also might be beneficial in irritable bowel syndrome.
Dosage?
There is no information regarding dosage.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a volatile oil. Its active principle is menthol-contain, a cyclic monoterpene with antispasmodic properties due to its ability to block the calcium channels of smooth intestinal muscles.
In a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, the researchers concluded that peppermint oil:
is effective and safe as a therapeutic agent in patients with IBS suffering from abdominal pain or discomfort.
Dosage?
There is no information regarding dosage.
Symprove multi‐strain probiotic
Symprove is a liquid‐based, multi‐strain, gluten‐free probiotic. It contains four bacterial strains suspended in a liquid barley extract as a delivery medium.
In a single‐centre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, researchers concluded:
The multi‐strain probiotic was associated with a statistically significant improvement in overall symptom severity in patients with IBS, and was well tolerated. These results suggest this probiotic confers benefit in IBS and deserves further investigation.
Dosage?
1 mL/kg each morning on an empty stomach.
Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is the US-registered trademark name for a product derived from the pine bark of a tree called Pinus pinaster.
In a 2018 study, researchers concluded:
Pycnogenol® has shown a significant, protective and preventive activity on IBS symptoms..
Dosage?
150mg per day
Tumeric Extract (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is a flowering plant, Curcuma longa, of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae.
In a partially blinded, randomized, two-dose pilot study, researchers concluded:
Turmeric may help reduce IBS symptomology.
Dosage?
There is no information regarding dosage.
Vitamin D
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, researchers concluded:
Vitamin D therapy can improve the severity of symptoms and quality of life in patients with IBS..
Dosage?
50,000 IU Vitamin D weekly for six weeks
Zyactinase
Zyactinase® is an extract of green kiwifruit, formulated into the consumer healthcare products marketed as Phloe® and Kivia, used to relieve symptoms associated with a range of digestive system dysfunction, including constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, researchers concluded:
The green kiwifruit extract significantly induced normal bowel movements with no adverse effects. The kiwifruit extract relieved constipation and the symptoms of IBS such as bloating, flatulence and abdominal pain.
Dosage?
Six 360 mg capsules per day are taken as two capsules three times before meals for a total daily dose of 2160 mg/day.
Did I Miss Anything?
Now I would like to hear from you:
Which of the best IBS supplements from today’s post will you try first?
Or maybe I did not mention one of your favourite supplements to help with IBS.
Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.
Help And Online Dispensary
If you need extra help, I offer Functional Medicine consultations in person and via telemedicine. To book an appointment or learn more, please call 613 230-0998 or email info@dominickussey.ca.
If you need to buy supplements, you can do so through our online dispensary.