Clinical study demonstrates capsule-based synbiotic-butyrate effective for IBS symptom relief

A clinical study¹ examined the effects of a combination of pre- and probiotics and microencapsulated sodium butyrate on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The probiotics used in the study were Lactocaseibacillus rhamnosus DSM 26357, Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 32418, Bifidobacterium longum DSM 32946, Bifidobacterium bifidum DSM 32403, and Bifidobacterium lactis DSM 32269, prepared and supplied by dsm-firmenich, sourced from its Humiome biotics portfolio. Small amounts of prebiotic short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOSs) were also included as well. The study, “Efficacy and Safety of a Mixture of Microencapsulated Sodium Butyrate, Probiotics, and Short Chain Fructooligosaccharides in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study,” was published in Journal of Clinical Medicine in December 2024.

The 12-week study involved 120 adult participants diagnosed with IBS. Changes in quality of life and IBS symptoms were assessed. Levels of inflammatory cytokines were also measured, which are suppressed by butyrate, the study explained. Butyrate supports gut health by preventing microbiota imbalance, protecting the gut barrier, and modulating immune health as well as the gut-brain axis.

Highlighted results include:

• After four weeks, 64.7% of the test group reported adequate symptom relief, compared with 42.0% of the placebo group
• At 12 weeks, 5.9% of participants in the test group reported a worsening of symptoms compared with 16% of the placebo group
• At 12 weeks, the test group reported significantly less ‘urgency to defecate’ compared with the placebo group
• No differences in levels of cytokines were seen between the groups

The researchers concluded that the synbiotic-butyrate mixture was safe and well-tolerated and may be beneficial in managing gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with IBS.

“While the mechanisms of IBS aren't fully understood, we know that people with IBS experience notable changes in gut microbiota composition compared to healthy individuals,” stated study author and principal scientist at dsm-firmenich, Robert E Steinert, in the press release. “That’s why we’re committed to expanding the clinical research behind synbiotics and postbiotics for gut health. With this new science behind our belt—and Humiome-powered product concepts ready-to-go—we’re set to collaborate with customers to create next-generation gut health solutions.”

Reference

1. Gąsiorowska, A.; Romanowski, M.; Walecka-Kapica, E.; Kaczka, A.; Chojnacki, C.; Padysz, M.; Siedlecka, M.; Banasik, J.; Sobolewska-Włodarczyk, A.; Wiśniewska-Jarosińska, M.; et al. Efficacy and Safety of a Mixture of Microencapsulated Sodium Butyrate, Probiotics, and Short Chain Fructooligosaccharides in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(1) DOI: 10.3390/jcm14010006