A clinical study found that a spore-forming probiotic (Bacillus coagulans LBSC) marketed as SEBiotic by Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics was linked to constipation relief in participants who experienced drug-induced constipation associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID).

The double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, published in Global Advances in Integrative Medicine, evaluated changes in clinical symptoms, safety, tolerability, and quality of life parameters associated with FGID symptoms versus placebo in a population of 56 adults.

The researchers found significant improvements, with 96.4% of patients in the treatment arm experiencing significant improvements in constipation in measures like stool consistency, expulsion, and other symptoms like degree of constipation, occurrence of hard stool, and defecation frequency.

Supplementation was also linked to positive changes in measures of mood, general health perceptions, bodily pain, and physical and social functioning, as measured by quality of life questionnaires.

“It is well-known that chronic drug therapies can cause an imbalance in the gut microbiome, leading to unpleasant symptoms that negatively impact quality of life,” said Reshma Rathi, vice president of Specialty Enzymes and Probiotics. “The study clearly illustrates SEBiotic offers powerful support for those suffering from drug-induced constipation related to FGIDs.”