New science: Synbiotic-butyrate capsule supplement opens new doors for IBS symptom management

A new clinical study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine has revealed that a synbiotic-based supplement plus microencapsulated sodium butyrate may help to relieve abdominal discomfort in adults suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in as early as four weeks.¹

For the first time, the research demonstrates the safety and efficacy of combining microencapsulated sodium butyrate to a previously tested synbiotic preparation for alleviating IBS-related gastrointestinal symptoms.² The addition of butyrate allowed for lower dosages of biotics without compromising efficacy, enabling the supplement to be delivered in a convenient capsule format. Not only does this strengthen the growing body of evidence supporting the role of biotics in IBS management, but it also paves the way for faster relief of IBS symptoms, ultimately improving the quality of life for IBS sufferers worldwide.

The role of biotics in IBS management

The prevalence of IBS, a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, can be as high as 20% in adults, depending on the region and diagnostic criteria.^3,4 IBS is characterized by abdominal discomfort, including cramping, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. To better support individuals experiencing these symptoms, pre- and probiotic solutions present a promising strategy thanks to their ability to address gut dysbiosis—an imbalance of the gut microbiota that is increasingly recognized as a trigger for IBS. To this end, dsm-firmenich has previously demonstrated that a synbiotic preparation of pre- and probiotics may relieve IBS symptoms.²

Recent research also highlights the importance of short chain fatty acids in maintaining intestinal balance, which can be relevant to the pathogenesis of IBS.⁵ Particularly, butyrate seems to play a key role in supporting gastrointestinal health by preventing dysbiosis, protecting the gut barrier, and modulating the immune system and the gut–brain axis, mechanisms that are all relevant to IBS.^6,7 However, the benefits of combining butyrate with dsm-firmenich’s proven synbiotic mix have not been explored in clinical research—until now.

Study reveals: Synbiotics and microencapsulated butyrate blend improves IBS symptoms

To address this gap, dsm-firmenich supported a new clinical study that assessed the efficacy and safety of microencapsulated sodium butyrate with the company’s previously tested synbiotic mix in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 120 adults with IBS. The biotic blend included probiotics (1 x 10⁹ CFU), small amounts of prebiotic short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOSs) (64 mg), and microencapsulated sodium butyrate (300 mg). The probiotics included Lactocaseibacillus rhamnosus DSM 26357, Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 32418, Bifidobacterium longum DSM 32946, Bifidobacterium bifidum DSM 32403, and Bifidobacterium lactis DSM 32269, two of which were sourced from dsm-firmenich’s Humiome® biotics portfolio.

Participants took two capsules daily—either the biotic supplement or a placebo—30 minutes after breakfast and dinner for 12 weeks. Data collection included symptom questionnaires and measurements of selected inflammatory cytokines. The findings revealed noteworthy improvements in the biotic group compared to the placebo group:

• At four weeks, significantly more adults in the biotic group (64.7%) reported relief from IBS symptoms compared to the placebo group (42%)
• At 12 weeks, significantly fewer adults in the biotic group (5.9%) described ‘worsening of symptoms’ versus placebo (16%)
• Individuals in the biotic group recorded a significant reduction in ‘urgency to defecate’ at 12 weeks
• The biotic mixture was safe and well tolerated.

Notably, the addition of microencapsulated sodium butyrate to the previously tested synbiotic preparation allowed for lower dosages of probiotics and scFOS, without compromising the effectiveness of the supplement. By reducing these dosages, it enabled the supplement to be delivered in a convenient capsule format, as opposed to sachets.

Advancing gut health with science-backed biotics

“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. That’s why we’re committed to expanding the clinical research behind synbiotics and postbiotics for gut health,” remarked PD Dr Robert E Steinert, Principal Scientist at dsm-firmenich HNC and senior author of the study. “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.”

Discover more about dsm-firmenich’s commitment to advancing gut health with cutting-edge biotics here.

About dsm-firmenich

As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss-Dutch company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life™ every day, everywhere, for billions of people.