Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Supplements studied for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Overview
Irritable bowel syndrome has broad supplement indexing (17 supplements, 40 studies). Melatonin, Vitamin D, Brewer's Yeast, Probiotics, and Resveratrol each carry medium effect size, medium evidence, high trust, WA 64. Melatonin may reduce abdominal pain and bloating in some IBS trials. Brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856) may improve pain and bowel habits, mainly in constipation-predominant IBS. Vitamin D results are mixed across doses and designs.
Probiotics are rated possibly effective though the summary here is brief. Resveratrol has limited single-study data suggesting possible symptom benefit. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for full rankings.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Melatonin | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Resveratrol | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Probiotics | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Brewer's Yeast | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Aloe | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Saccharomyces boulardii | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Ginger | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Nattokinase | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Boswellia | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Beta-Glucan | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Bacopa | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Artichoke | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Arrowroot | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Kombucha | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Bilberry | ★★★★★ | Low |
| St. John's Wort | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Flaxseed | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
18 supplements for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
MelatoninView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Some studies suggest that melatonin may help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), especially abdominal pain and bloating.
- Taking melatonin 3–6 mg daily for several weeks has shown improvements for some patients, including better bowel habits and fewer symptoms like nausea and heartburn.
- However, not all studies agree, and melatonin does not seem to change stool frequency, consistency, or how quickly food moves through the gut.
Browse 7 studies·1 meta-analysis
RCTThe effect of melatonin on irritable bowel syndrome patients with and without sleep disorders: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial study2023n=136
In 136 IBS patients, melatonin 6 mg/day for 2 months improved IBS scores, GI symptoms, quality of life, and sleep in both patients with and without sleep disorders versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 months
- Dose
- 6 mg/day
- Population
- ALL patients
- Participants
- 136
MetaThe efficacy of exogenous melatonin supplement in ameliorating irritable bowel syndrome severity: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2022n=115
A meta-analysis of 4 RCTs (115 IBS patients) found exogenous melatonin significantly reduced IBS severity scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- IBS patients
- Participants
- 115
RCTInfluence of melatonin on symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in postmenopausal women2013
In 80 postmenopausal women with IBS, melatonin 3 mg nightly improved abdominal pain and bowel symptoms versus placebo over 8 weeks.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 3 mg/day
- Population
- Postmenopausal women
- Ages
- 48–65
RCTThe effects of melatonin on colonic transit time in normal controls and IBS patients2009
In 17 healthy controls and 17 IBS patients, melatonin 3 mg daily for 30 days did not significantly change colonic transit time in either group.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 3 mg/day
- Population
- Healthy adults
RCTA preliminary study of melatonin in irritable bowel syndrome2007n=9
In 18 IBS patients, melatonin 3 mg for 8 weeks improved overall IBS and quality-of-life scores versus placebo in this small preliminary trial.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 3 mg/day
- Population
- IBS patients
- Participants
- 9
- Ages
- 18–65
RCTMelatonin improves abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome patients who have sleep disturbances: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study2005n=20
In 40 IBS patients with sleep disturbance, melatonin 3 mg for 2 weeks reduced abdominal pain and improved sleep versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 3 mg/day
- Population
- IBS patients
- Participants
- 20
- Ages
- 20–64
RCTMelatonin improves bowel symptoms in female patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a double-blind placebo-controlled study2005n=17
In 17 women with IBS in a crossover trial, melatonin 3 mg for 8 weeks improved GI symptom scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 3 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 17
Vitamin DView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear whether taking vitamin D by mouth helps with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Some studies show vitamin D may slightly improve IBS symptoms and quality of life, but other studies do not find this benefit.
- Vitamin D doses in these studies ranged from 2000 to 4000 IU daily or 50,000 IU weekly or every two weeks for up to six months.
- Differences in study design and dosing make it hard to know if vitamin D really helps IBS.
Browse 4 studies·4 meta-analyses
MetaImpact of vitamin D supplementation on symptom severity and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A meta-analysis2025n=780
A meta-analysis of 9 RCTs (780 participants) found vitamin D supplementation improved IBS symptom severity scores and quality of life with low adverse event risk.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Young adults
- Participants
- 780
MetaThe Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on the Severity of Symptoms and the Quality of Life in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2022n=616
A meta-analysis of 6 IBS trials (616 patients) found vitamin D improved quality of life and raised serum 25(OH)D but did not significantly change IBS severity scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 616
MetaThe efficacy of vitamin D supplementation for irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review with meta-analysis2022n=335
A meta-analysis of 4 RCTs (335 IBS patients) found vitamin D supplementation improved IBS severity scoring (−84 points vs −28 for placebo) and quality of life versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Patients
- Participants
- 335
MetaVitamin D supplementation for irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis2022n=685
A meta-analysis of 8 studies (685 IBS patients) found vitamin D supplementation improved IBS symptom severity (SMD −0.77) with a favorable safety profile.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 685
Brewer's YeastView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- A special type of brewer’s yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 helps relieve IBS symptoms, mainly in people with constipation-predominant IBS.
- Taking 500 to 1000 mg daily for 8 to 12 weeks can reduce belly pain and discomfort and improve bowel habits, usually after about a month of use.
- It may also help people with other types of IBS when combined with usual treatments.
- It improves quality of life but doesn’t seem to reduce bloating or bloating-related gas.
- The yeast works by balancing gut bacteria and calming low-level gut inflammation.
- It appears to be safe and can be a helpful supplement for managing IBS symptoms.
Browse 3 studies·1 meta-analysis
Case reportAnaphylaxis to a particular brew of beer due to specific strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae2022
A case report describes anaphylaxis triggered by beer containing specific Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, highlighting potential yeast strain–specific allergic reactions rather than therapeutic effects.
RCTEfficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 as an add-on therapy for irritable bowel syndrome2020
In 100 newly diagnosed IBS patients treated 8 weeks, Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 (2 billion CFU twice daily) significantly reduced abdominal pain and improved stool consistency versus placebo across IBS subtypes.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 500 mg/day
MetaSaccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 in irritable bowel syndrome: An individual subject meta-analysis2017
An individual patient data meta-analysis of 579 IBS patients found S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 reduced abdominal pain/discomfort by 12.3% and bloating by 14.9% versus placebo during the second month of supplementation.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Patients with irritable bowel syndrome
ProbioticsView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Probiotics are possibly effective for Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
MetaThe Efficacy of Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis2024
A network meta-analysis of 54 IBS RCTs found probiotics (OR 0.53) and fecal microbiota transplant (OR 0.46) improved symptoms versus placebo; prebiotics/synbiotics did not.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Ages
- 18+
ResveratrolView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Studies suggest resveratrol supplements may help improve symptoms and quality of life in people with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
- It may reduce inflammation in the gut and does not appear to cause extra side effects.
- Research shows resveratrol works better than some other plant compounds for these gut conditions.
- More studies are needed, but it looks promising as a safe supplement to help manage these diseases.
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
MetaEfficacy and safety of biophenol-rich nutraceuticals in adults with inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases or irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis2021
A meta-analysis found biophenol-rich nutraceuticals including resveratrol modestly improved GI symptoms in IBD and IBS versus usual care, with heterogeneous evidence.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Ages
- 18+
AloeView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- So far, most studies suggest that aloe is not very helpful for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Some research shows small benefits for people who have diarrhea-predominant IBS, such as less belly pain, but overall results are mixed and many studies were small or had problems with their methodology.
- On its own, aloe juice or supplements do not seem to reliably improve symptoms like stool frequency or consistency.
Browse 7 studies·2 meta-analyses
RCTAloe barbadensis Mill. extract improves symptoms in IBS patients with diarrhoea: post hoc analysis of two randomized double-blind controlled studies2021n=38
Post hoc analysis of 213 IBS patients over 4 weeks found Aloe extract reduced symptom severity and raised responder rates in diarrhoea-predominant IBS versus control, with no benefit in other subtypes.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Population
- Patients with IBS
- Participants
- 38
- Ages
- 18–70
RCTRandomized clinical trial: Effects of Aloe barbadensis Mill. extract on symptoms, fecal microbiota and fecal metabolite profiles in patients with irritable bowel syndrome2020n=34
RCT of 160 IBS patients over 4 weeks found both Aloe and inulin reduced IBS severity similarly, with no between-group difference, though microbiota differed between Aloe responders and non-responders.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Population
- Patients with IBS
- Participants
- 34
MetaWestern herbal medicines in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis2020
Meta-analysis of 33 IBS trials found aloe vera reduced global IBS symptoms, but positive trials have not been replicated, limiting definitive efficacy claims.
- Effect
- Benefit
RCTAloe vera Is Effective and Safe in Short-term Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis2018n=151
Meta-analysis of 3 RCTs in 151 IBS patients found Aloe vera improved symptom scores and response rates versus placebo over up to 3 months, with no reported adverse events.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Population
- Patients with IBS
- Participants
- 151
RCTA Pilot Study of the Effect of Aloe barbadensis Mill. Extract (AVH200®) in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study2015
Pilot RCT in IBS patients found AVH200 reduced GI symptom severity versus baseline but did not significantly beat placebo on primary endpoints; larger trials are needed.
- Population
- Adults
RCTA Randomised, Cross-Over, Placebo-Controlled Study of Aloe vera in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Effects on Patient Quality of Life2011n=110
Cross-over RCT in 110 IBS patients given 120 mL/day Aloe vera found no quality-of-life difference versus placebo; high dropout limited power to detect benefit.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 120 ml/day
- Population
- Patients with IBS
- Participants
- 110
RCTRandomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of Aloe vera for irritable bowel syndrome2006n=58
1-month RCT in 58 IBS patients found no overall benefit of Aloe vera versus placebo, though diarrhoea-predominant patients showed a non-significant response trend.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 3–41 months
- Population
- Patients with IBS
- Participants
- 58
GingerView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if ginger by itself helps with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- One small study found that taking 1 to 2 grams a day for 4 weeks did not improve IBS symptoms compared with placebo.
- Some research shows that ginger combined with other herbs like boswellia and yarrow might reduce belly pain and bloating in women.
- Another herbal mix including ginger improved symptoms similar to standard IBS medicine.
- It is unknown whether ginger alone or the mix of herbs caused the benefit.
Browse 3 studies
RCTEvaluating the efficacy of mixture of Boswellia carterii, Zingiber officinale, and Achillea millefolium on severity of symptoms, anxiety, and depression in irritable bowel syndrome patients2017
In 60 IBS patients, a Boswellia-ginger-Achillea mixture for 1 month significantly reduced symptom severity, anxiety, and depression scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 1 month
- Population
- IBS patients
- Avg age
- ~39
RCTIs ginger effective for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome? A double blind randomized controlled pilot trial2014
In 45 IBS patients, ginger 1 or 2 g/day for 28 days did not significantly improve IBS severity scores versus placebo; responder rates were similar across groups.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 28 days
- Dose
- 2 g/day
- Population
- Patients with irritable bowel syndrome
RCTTreatment of irritable bowel syndrome using a selected herbal combination of Iraqi folk medicines2013n=40
In 40 IBS patients, a herbal combination including Zingiber officinale for 8 weeks significantly improved IBS symptoms versus placebo in a prospective randomized trial.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Population
- IBS patients
- Participants
- 40
- Ages
- 25–60
Saccharomyces boulardiiView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if taking Saccharomyces boulardii helps with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- One study showed it improved quality of life after 4 weeks, but did not reduce belly pain or other IBS symptoms.
- Some evidence suggests it doesn't lessen pain severity but might help people feel pain relief more often.
- Taking it with a usual IBS medicine did not improve symptoms more than the medicine alone, although the study had some limitations.
Browse 3 studies·1 meta-analysis
RCTStrain-specific and outcome-specific efficacy of probiotics for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis2021n=3,856
A meta-analysis of IBS probiotic trials found multi-strain products most effective for global symptom improvement, with strain-specific effects varying by IBS subtype.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 3,856
Open-labelTreatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome with mesalazine and/or Saccharomyces boulardii2013n=21
In IBS-D patients, mesalazine alone or with S. boulardii improved symptoms versus baseline, with combination therapy showing the greatest benefit.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 30 days
- Dose
- 800 mg 3×/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 21
RCTA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial of saccharomyces boulardii in irritable bowel syndrome: effect on quality of life2011n=34
In 67 IBS patients, S. boulardii 2×10^9 cells daily for 4 weeks improved quality of life and reduced diarrhea versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Population
- Patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS or mixed-type IBS
- Participants
- 34
BacopaView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Bacopa has mainly been studied along with other ingredients, so its effect by itself is unknown.
- In people with diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a combination of Bacopa and bael helped relieve symptoms in about two-thirds of patients.
- This was less effective than a prescription treatment but better than a placebo.
- Neither treatment was able to prevent IBS symptoms from coming back.
Browse 1 study
RCTIrritable bowel syndrome: therapeutic evaluation of indigenous drugs1989n=169
An RCT of 169 IBS patients found a bacopa-containing Ayurvedic preparation helped 65% versus 33% on placebo over 6 weeks, but was less effective than standard antispasmodic therapy (78%).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Population
- Patients with IBS
- Participants
- 169
Beta-GlucanView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is uncertain if beta-glucans help with IBS.
- Some early studies suggest that a supplement with beta-glucans, inositol, and digestive enzymes taken twice daily for 4 weeks can reduce abdominal pain, bloating, and gas compared to doing nothing.
- It's unclear which ingredients are responsible for these effects.
Browse 1 study
RCTEffect of beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes in GI symptoms of patients with IBS2011
In 50 IBS patients, Biointol (beta-glucan, inositol, digestive enzymes) significantly improved bloating, flatulence, and abdominal pain versus no treatment, but did not improve other IBS symptoms.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Patients with IBS
- Avg age
- ~51
BoswelliaView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Small studies suggest that taking Boswellia serrata may help reduce IBS symptoms.
- In people with mild IBS, taking a special Boswellia extract daily for six months reduced stomach pain, cramps, and gas more than usual treatments.
- Patients taking Boswellia also needed less extra medicine and had a lower chance of needing more medical care or hospitalization.
- A shorter 4-week study showed similar benefits but no clear difference in symptoms compared to standard treatments.
- These studies were funded by the company making the supplement.
Browse 2 studies
RCTOral administration of a lecithin-based delivery form of boswellic acids (Casperome®) for the prevention of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized clinical study2019n=35
In 69 otherwise healthy adults with mild IBS followed 6 months, daily Casperome® boswellic acid tablets reduced IBS symptoms and rescue medication use versus standard symptomatic drug management.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 1 tablet/day
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Participants
- 35
ObservationalSupplementation with a lecithin-based delivery form of Boswellia serrata extract (Casperome®) controls symptoms of mild irritable bowel syndrome2017
In 71 otherwise healthy adults with idiopathic IBS over 4 weeks, Casperome® supplementation improved abdominal pain, bowel habits, and meteorism comparably to antispasmodic drugs, with fewer side effects and less need for medical attention.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Population
- Healthy adults
NattokinaseView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- There is not enough evidence to determine if nattokinase has any benefit for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Browse 1 study
RCTCo-Administration of Soy Isoflavones and Vitamin D in Management of Irritable Bowel Disease2016n=100
In 100 women with IBS, 40 mg/day soy isoflavones plus vitamin D for 6 weeks improved IBS total scores when combined, with significant interaction between soy and vitamin D on symptom relief.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 40 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 100
- Ages
- 18–75
ArrowrootView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- A small study found that taking powdered arrowroot three times a day for one month helped reduce diarrhea and belly pain in people with IBS.
- These benefits lasted even after stopping arrowroot.
- The study did not compare arrowroot to other treatments or a placebo, so results should be treated with caution.
Browse 1 study
Clinical trialArrowroot as a treatment for diarrhoea in irritable bowel syndrome patients: a pilot study2000n=11
In 11 IBS patients with diarrhea, arrowroot powder 10 mL three times daily for 1 month reduced diarrhea and abdominal pain, with effects persisting somewhat after stopping treatment.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 1 month
- Dose
- 10 mL 3×/day
- Population
- Patients with IBS
- Participants
- 11
ArtichokeView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Small studies show that artichoke leaf extract may help ease belly pain, bloating, gas, and constipation in people with IBS when taken daily for several weeks.
- While results are promising, the lack of control groups in these studies means more research is needed to be sure of the benefits.
Browse 2 studies
Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improves quality of life in otherwise healthy volunteers suffering from concomitant dyspepsia: a subset analysis2004n=208
In 208 adults with dyspepsia and IBS symptoms, artichoke leaf extract 320–640 mg/day for 2 months reduced IBS incidence 26%, improved bowel pattern, and cut dyspepsia scores 41%.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 months
- Dose
- 640 mg/day
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Participants
- 208
Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a post-marketing surveillance study2001
A post-marketing surveillance subgroup of dyspepsia patients with IBS on artichoke leaf extract 640 mg three times daily for 6 weeks reported reduced symptom severity and good tolerability.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 1920 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with IBS
BilberryView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- In a small study, people with IBS who took a supplement containing bilberry and other natural ingredients like agrimony and cinnamon had more frequent bowel movements and less stomach pain, bloating, gas, and straining.
- Because the supplement had multiple ingredients, it is unclear if bilberry alone caused these improvements.
- More research is needed to find out if bilberry by itself can help with IBS symptoms.
Browse 1 study
Open-labelEffects of two natural medicine formulations on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms: a pilot study2010n=31
In 31 IBS patients in an open-label pilot, an herbal formula with bilberry (DA-IBS) improved pain, bloating, flatulence, and global symptoms; a constipation-predominant formula with slippery elm and oat bran improved bowel frequency and stool consistency.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Patients with IBS
- Participants
- 31
KombuchaView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Kombucha has not been studied on its own for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- In a small study of people with constipation-type IBS, drinking 220 mL of kombucha with added inulin and B vitamins each day for 10 days slightly increased bowel movements and helped lessen the feeling of not finishing a bowel movement.
- It did not reduce bloating.
Browse 1 study
Open-labelEvaluation of the Efficacy of Kombucha-Based Drink Enriched with Inulin and Vitamins for the Management of Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Females: A Randomized Pilot Study2023
In IBS-C patients, a kombucha-based drink with inulin and vitamins improved constipation symptoms and bowel habits versus control in an open-label evaluation.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 220 mL/day
- Population
- Women
FlaxseedView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- A small study in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) tested whether eating flaxseed every day (24 grams for 4 weeks) could help with symptoms.
- The results showed that flaxseed did not improve quality of life, symptom severity, or the number of bowel movements compared to people who did not take flaxseed.
Browse 1 study
RCTEffects of linseeds on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot randomised controlled trial2012n=40
In a pilot open RCT of 40 IBS patients for 4 weeks, whole or ground linseeds did not clearly outperform no-linseeds for IBS symptom relief in this underpowered trial.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 40
St. John's WortView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking St. John’s wort by mouth does not seem to help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- A small study found that taking 450 mg twice daily for 12 weeks was no better than a placebo, and people taking the placebo actually had more symptom improvement.
Browse 1 study
RCTA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of St John's wort for treating irritable bowel syndrome2010n=70
In irritable bowel syndrome, a double-blind RCT found St John's wort did not significantly improve IBS symptoms versus placebo over the treatment period.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 70
- Avg age
- ~42
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aloe | ★★★★★52% | 7 | 2 | 17% |
| Melatonin | ★★★★★72% | 7 | 1 | 17% |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★68% | 4 | 4 | 10% |
| Brewer's Yeast | ★★★★★64% | 3 | 1 | 7% |
| Ginger | ★★★★★48% | 3 | 0 | 7% |
| Saccharomyces boulardii | ★★★★★48% | 3 | 1 | 7% |
| Artichoke | ★★★★★40% | 2 | 0 | 5% |
| Boswellia | ★★★★★44% | 2 | 0 | 5% |
| Arrowroot | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Bacopa | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Beta-Glucan | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Bilberry | ★★★★★36% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Flaxseed | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Kombucha | ★★★★★36% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Nattokinase | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Probiotics | ★★★★★64% | 1 | 1 | 2% |
| Resveratrol | ★★★★★64% | 1 | 1 | 2% |
| St. John's Wort | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |