International review of 36 probiotic supplements containing B. coagulans Unique IS-2 found only 4 products passed all relevant criteria for IBS symptom management.

Last updated 4 October 2024 | Results reviewed by Daniel Keats RDN

1.1 Passed key criteria

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Results are published publicly without alteration.

 

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1.2 Table of results

Not considered*: We do not recommend gummy probiotic supplements for people with IBS, as this form has not been studied in IBS populations, to our knowledge. Additionally, gummy probiotics often contain ingredients like sugar alcohols and other high FODMAP ingredients (e.g., inulin, FOS), which may trigger or worsen IBS symptoms in sensitive individuals.

 

Order of Results: Product names are listed alphabetically within each category.

 

Explanation of criteria

  1. Transparent Formula: The supplement’s ingredients and their amounts are openly labeled, not hidden behind proprietary blends. This transparency is essential for us to verify that it meets the studied dose requirements.
  2. Studied Dose: For Unique IS-2 in IBS populations, the effective dose is 2 billion CFUs per day. Any product that delivers this specific dose in one or more servings meets this criterion.
  3. IBS RCT Probiotics Only: The product contains only probiotic strains that have been studied in IBS populations through randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. No other active ingredients are included, as unstudied additives may alter efficacy.
  4. Third-Party Tested CFUs: The manufacturer has submitted the product for third-party testing to verify both the CFU count (amount of probiotics in finished product) and has published the results on their website.
  5. Availability: Indicates where the product can be purchased. Please note that consumers worldwide can often access USA and UK products using a forwarding service.

1.3 Summary

  • We searched the entire web to find and evaluate products containing Unique IS-2.
  • 36 products were found containing Unique IS-2.
  • 12 products were excluded because they are gummies, which we do not consider suitable for reasons explained above.
  • 7 products failed due to a lack of transparency; they do not disclose their formula or the amounts of each ingredient, making it impossible to confirm if they provide the clinically studied dose.
  • 5 products failed as they could not be served at the studied dose – i.e. could not be expanded or divided to deliver the 2 billion CFU dose that has been studied for Unique IS-2.
  • 8 products failed because they contained additional active ingredients that are not probiotics studied in randomized controlled trials for IBS populations.
  • This means that only 4 products met all our key criteria. Of these, 2 products have published third-party testing results. You can view these in the shortlist above.

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