Irritable bowel sydrome is a poorly understood disease very frequently found in industrialized countries. Indeed, 5 to 15% of the population is estimated to suffer from it. It represents 3% of visits to a generalist and 40% of consultations in gastroenterology. Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating or alternating constipation and diarrhea. In terms of treatment, there exist few solutions, mainly antispasmodics, the most well known of which is Spasfon (phloroglucinol) or antidepressants which have a number of undersirable effects.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, better known as brewer’s yeast or baker’s yeast, belongs to the probiotic family. A group in Lille demonstrated in animals that this yeast was capable of decreasing abdominal pain. For the first time, a clinical study demonstrated its efficacy. Among 179 patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, half received the yeast and the other half were given a placebo. This French study enabled following patients for an 8-week period. This novel study showed a clear-cut decrease in abdominal pain and discomfort in patients having received the yeast, with a particularly striking effect starting at week 4. These highly encouraging results suggest that brewer’s yeast may be a well tolerated and inoffensive solution for relieving pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, with the perspective of massive use in th near future.

Laurent Dubuquoy

Reference :

Desreumaux P, Neut C, Cazaubiel M, Pichelin M, Pelerin F, Justen P. Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 reduces digestive discomfort and abdominal pain in subjects with irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial. Gut 2010. 59(Suppl III): A41.