Title:Why Use Nutraceutical Strategies for the Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Volume: 29
Issue: 12
Author(s): Flavia di Michele*
Affiliation:
- Dept Systems Medicine, Policlinico Tor Vergata (PTV) Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Neuroimmunoendocrinology Lab, Fondazione S. Lucia IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Keywords:
IBS, nutraceutics, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, butyrate, palmitoylethanolamide and colostrum.
Abstract:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional bowel disorder, often
stress-related, identified by many abdominal symptoms, the most important of which is
chronic visceral abdominal pain. Therefore, IBS commonly impairs the quality of life of
patients, moreover, it is frequently linked to depressive and anxiety symptoms. The treatment
of IBS primarily focuses on symptoms relief. Unfortunately, up to now, no efficacious
therapies have been found. Therefore, it would be important to develop new anti-
IBS interventions.
The aim of this brief review is to summarize the current evidence of nutraceutical supplementation
in IBS treatment, with probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, butyrate, palmitoylethanolamide
and colostrum. Since nutraceutics are over-the-counter products, the
review has the purpose to better inform the medicinal chemist and the practitioner about
the possible beneficial mechanisms and the many advantages that these therapies offer.
All of these compounds present multiple mechanisms of action, such as restoring the
physiological microbiota, potentiating gastrointestinal barrier’s function, immunomodulatory,
anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities.
From the literature data, it results that these compounds are not only capable of improving
IBS symptomatology, but mainly display an optimal safety and tolerability profile.
Although extensive studies must be carried out to reinforce the evidence from the so far
limited clinical trials, the supplementation with these compounds may be useful considering
the warnings of prescription medicines for special populations of patients, such as elders,
youngsters, or patients who need combination therapy. Finally, the nutraceutical approach
may improve adherence to treatment, given its better acceptance by the patients
compared to pharmacological therapy.
