The Effect of Bioecolians, A Commercial Alpha-Gluco-Oligosaccharide, on Bowel Function in Subjects with IBS-C Symptoms

Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of the consumption of BioEcolians, a commercial α-gluco-oligosaccharide, on IBS-c symptoms and various strains of the gut microbiome. Methods: 50 subjects participated in a double blind placebo control study. Subjects consumed 2 gr/day of BioEcolians or placebo capsules for 28 days and were evaluated for IBS-C symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating, discomfort and stool consistency). Fecal exams were performed in order to evaluate changes in the gut microbiom. Results: BioEcolians treatment resulted in a progressive amelioration of IBS-C symptoms with a statistically significant improvement from day 14 to day 28. Stool frequency showed a progressive and statistically significant improvement with a mean increment of 1.6 complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) in the BioEcolians group. Stool consistency significantly improved in both groups but BioEcolians treatment resulted in higher scores and showed a progressive increment (100% improvement versus 50% in the placebo group). BioEcolians intake resulted in a significant increase in the fecal counts of Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium animalis and all evaluated Lactobacilli strains. The change was statistically significant compared to baseline. No significant modification of calprotectin and lactoferrin was recorded following BioEcolians or placebo intake. The level of fecal Human Beta-Defensin 2 (HBD-2) increased in both treatment groups but and statistically significant only in the BioEcolians group. Conclusions: The progressive amelioration of symptoms in IBS-C subjects recorded throughout the 28 days of the study with the modification of the content of fecal Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli suggests that BioEcolians could serve as a beneficial dietary agent against IBS-C symptoms. Further investigations are required in order to evaluate the improvement of symptoms in healthy population.