Probiotics for the management of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and three-level meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Previous systematic reviews demonstrated a potentially beneficial effect of probiotics on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, these studies are either affected by the inclusion of insufficient trials or by the problem of dependent data across multiple outcomes, and an overall effect size has not been provided. We aimed to determine the effect of probiotics on IBS through a three-level meta-analysis and clarify potential effect moderators.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science, screening for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examine the effect of probiotics on IBS. The primary outcome was the improvement in the severity of global IBS symptoms at the end of treatment. The secondary outcomes were the improvement in abdominal pain and the

SUBMITTER: Chen M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10651259 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature