IBS is one of those things that millions of people quietly live with, managing flare-ups around work, school runs, social plans and every other demand that daily life throws at them. It's exhausting in a way that's hard to explain to anyone who hasn't experienced it. And yet, for all the suffering involved, new research suggests that a huge number of people still aren't sure how to choose the right probiotic to help manage it.
According to data released this month during IBS Awareness Month, one in three adults in Ireland don't know what to look for when selecting a probiotic supplement for IBS. That's a striking figure when you consider that more than 1.2 million people in Ireland may be living with IBS symptoms right now.
Women are disproportionately affected
The research also highlights something that will resonate with a lot of women. Significantly more women report experiencing IBS than men, with 36% of women affected compared to 25% of men. This isn't entirely surprising. IBS can be directly triggered or worsened by hormonal shifts, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause, as well as conditions like endometriosis. So if you've ever noticed your symptoms spiking at particular points in your cycle, you're not imagining it.
The impact isn't just physical either. IBS can take a serious toll emotionally, with people reporting feelings of anxiety, low mood and reduced confidence. Social isolation is a real factor too. Turning down dinner invitations, dreading long car journeys, quietly planning your day around bathroom access — it wears on you.
Not all probiotics are created equal
Dublin-based pharmacist Jess Redden is speaking out during IBS Awareness Month to encourage people to be more discerning about the probiotics they reach for.
"People are more aware than ever of the benefits probiotics have on gut health, but what many don't realise is that different probiotics offer different benefits," she explains. "Choosing the right probiotic is key when managing your IBS symptoms. Your choice of probiotic should be based on scientific evidence, or recommendations from healthcare professionals, not guesswork."
The survey found that a recommendation from a pharmacist or GP remains the primary driver when people choose a probiotic, while 35% of IBS sufferers know that clinical research is the best indicator of effectiveness. That gap between those two figures is worth noting. Many people are still picking up whatever is most readily available on the shelf, which, as Jess points out, can simply mean money wasted with little to no symptom relief.
She highlights one specific bacterial strain worth knowing about: Bifidobacterium longum 35624, found in Alflorex. It's a naturally occurring strain that mothers pass to babies at birth and has been scientifically proven to help manage IBS symptoms. The World Gastroenterology Organisation recognises it as the most effective probiotic strain for IBS relief, and a randomised study at University College Cork found that a daily dose relieves many IBS symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating and markers for inflammation.
So what should you actually do?
Jess is clear on this: don't ignore your symptoms and don't self-navigate alone.
"It's important that if you are suffering with IBS symptoms to consult a pharmacist or GP on the best option to suit your specific gut microbiome needs," she says. "It's important not to ignore your IBS symptoms as they can have a massive impact on your physical and mental wellbeing."
The takeaway isn't to panic but to be a little more informed. If you've been picking up a generic probiotic out of habit without much improvement, it might be worth a conversation with your pharmacist. Ask about clinically researched strains. Ask about what's actually been tested for IBS specifically. It's your gut, and you deserve more than a guess.
April is IBS Awareness Month. If you're experiencing symptoms, speak to your GP or pharmacist for personalised advice.
