Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent and complex gastrointestinal disorder affecting millions worldwide. Characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, IBS significantly impacts the quality of life (QoL) of those affected. Despite its widespread occurrence, effective treatment options remain limited, as the condition's multifactorial pathophysiology involves gut dysbiosis, immune modulation, and neurogastrointestinal interactions.
In this landscape, probiotics have gained traction as a potential therapeutic approach due to their ability to modulate gut microbiota and restore intestinal balance. Among the various probiotic formulations available, quadruple-coated probiotics (gQlab) have emerged as a promising innovation. A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study has demonstrated their efficacy in alleviating IBS symptoms, particularly in female and constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C) patients. This blog explores the study’s findings and how ILDONG Bioscience is advancing probiotic research for gut health solutions.
Understanding gQlab: The Science Behind Quadruple Coating
gQlab is a multi-strain probiotic formulation developed by ILDONG Bioscience, incorporating quadruple-coating technology to enhance probiotic survival and efficacy. This advanced coating system is designed to protect probiotic strains from gastric acid, bile salts, and environmental stressors, ensuring their safe delivery to the intestines where they can exert their beneficial effects.
The gQlab formulation includes ten clinically relevant probiotic strains, each selected for its ability to support gut health and modulate the microbiome:
Bifidobacterium longum IDCC 4101
Bifidobacterium bifidum IDCC 4201
Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301
Bifidobacterium breve IDCC 4401
Enterococcus faecium IDCC 2102
Lactobacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201
Lactobacillus acidophilus IDCC 3302
Lactobacillus casei IDCC 3451
Lactobacillus plantarum IDCC 3501
Lactobacillus helveticus IDCC 3801
Clinical Evidence: Evaluating gQlab in IBS Patients
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in collaboration with Seoul National University Bundang Hospital evaluated the efficacy of gQlab in IBS patients. The study enrolled 109 participants, diagnosed with IBS based on the Rome III criteria, and assigned them to either the gQlab group (47 participants) or the placebo group (45 participants) for four weeks of supplementation.
Primary and Secondary Outcomes
The primary endpoint was the improvement in overall IBS symptoms after four weeks, while secondary endpoints included changes in bowel movement frequency, abdominal pain, stool consistency, QoL scores, and gut microbiota composition.
Key Findings
Improvement in IBS Symptoms
The gQlab group showed significantly higher overall IBS symptom relief compared to the placebo group (P = 0.005).
Among IBS subtypes, constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C) patients showed the most significant improvement (P = 0.002).
Female IBS patients exhibited a greater response to gQlab supplementation compared to males (P = 0.017).
Enhancement of Quality of Life (QoL)
The IBS-QoL scores improved markedly in the gQlab group (P < 0.001), particularly in domains related to dysphoria, body image, health concerns, and social interaction.
Female IBS patients demonstrated more pronounced improvements in QoL than their male counterparts.
Microbiome Modulation
Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed significant increases in the fecal levels of:
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus helveticus
Bifidobacterium longum
Bifidobacterium breve
Interestingly, gut microbiota diversity did not show significant alterations, suggesting that gQlab's effects may be mediated through mechanisms beyond direct microbiome composition changes.
Safety and Tolerability
No serious adverse events were reported.
One participant exhibited mild sodium level fluctuations, but overall, gQlab was well-tolerated.
Implications for IBS Management
The results of this study provide compelling evidence that quadruple-coated probiotics can be an effective and safe intervention for IBS patients, particularly for female and IBS-C subtypes. Given the heterogeneity of IBS and the variability in treatment responses, personalized probiotic solutions tailored to specific patient subgroups may be the next step in optimizing gut health therapies.
Additionally, the finding that gut microbiota diversity remained unchanged while specific probiotic strains increased suggests that mechanisms such as immune modulation, gut barrier enhancement, and neurotransmitter regulation may be responsible for symptom relief. Further research is needed to elucidate these pathways and develop targeted probiotic-based interventions.
ILDONG Bioscience: Pioneering Advanced Probiotic Solutions
At ILDONG Bioscience, we are committed to delivering science-backed, innovative probiotic solutions that enhance human health. Our quadruple-coating technology ensures that probiotic strains reach the intestine intact and viable, offering maximum efficacy.
As a leader in probiotic research, development, and manufacturing, we continue to explore novel approaches to address gastrointestinal disorders and promote microbiome health. Our OEM/ODM capabilities enable us to provide customized probiotic formulations tailored to the needs of global partners.
Conclusion
The quadruple-coated probiotic gQlab has demonstrated significant benefits for IBS patients, particularly in relieving symptoms and improving quality of life in female and constipation-predominant IBS patients. With its advanced coating technology and clinically validated efficacy, gQlab represents a breakthrough in probiotic-based IBS management.
For businesses and healthcare professionals seeking cutting-edge probiotic solutions, ILDONG Bioscience remains a trusted partner in microbiome innovation.
📌 For more information, visit www.ildongbio.com