Effects of an oral synbiotic on the gastrointestinal microenvironment in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome - results from a pilot study. Effects of an oral synbiotic on the microbiota in patients with IBS-D

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder. Probiotics and to a lesser extent synbiotics are an evidence-supported treatment for IBS although mechanisms of action are currently not understood. In this pilot study we investigate the effects of a four week oral synbiotic treatment on gastrointestinal mucosa-associated immune cells, mucosal and fecal microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids in patients with IBS-D.